Early Portsmouth Betty Whale Oil Lamp

Early lighting pieces such as this one are just a pleasure to own as they have history relating to the importance of light in colonial homes back in the day. Each progressive lighting device created was improved upon as the years passed. This exciting early lighting vessel dates around the 1840’s to the 1850’s period and has pleasing form given that it possesses its own “tidy”. The lamp is not removeable and is part of the stand which is in direct contrast to the Ipswich (Massachusetts) version of the Betty that has a removeable lamp feature. This design is believed to have roots stemming from the Portsmouth area of New Hampshire and therefore is called the “Portsmouth Betty” Lamp. Upon opening the lid a woven fabric wick is revealed that helped assist in keeping the flame alive. It rests near the font area and absorbed the whale oil in the reservoir as shown in image 9. The hinged lid does not completely close near the front opening but rather raises up about ¼” on the right co