Bidspirit auction | Late 19th Century Brass and

Late 19th Century Brass and Glass Skaters Oil Lantern - This non-electric oil lantern, often referred to as a skaters or yacht lamp, features a solid brass construction with a clear glass chimney. The design includes a cylindrical brass font at the base, which holds the fuel and burner mechanism. A clear, bulbous glass globe is protected by a fixed brass wire cage that connects the base to a perforated brass smoke vent at the top. The top vent is finished with a domed cap and is equipped with a wire bale handle for carrying or hanging. The burner assembly includes a white cotton wick and a small circular adjustment knob located on the side of the font. A close inspection of the adjustment knob reveals a circular indentation but no legible maker name or characters (photo 2). The underside of the base features a dark, circular metal plate that appears to be constructed of steel or zinc; there are no manufacturer marks, hallmarks, or labels present on this surface or elsewhere on the body (photo 4). The lantern operates via a manual wick-feed system for kerosene or oil. Based on the wooden ruler provided in the images, the lantern measures approximately 9 1/2 inches in height from the base to the top of the brass vent cap. The lantern is in excellent shape with no cracks, chips, or breaks. The brass surfaces exhibit a natural aged patina with light, uniform surface scratches and minor areas of tarnish consistent with age (photo 1). The clear glass chimney is intact and free of visible chips or cracks (photo 3). The wire cage is structurally sound, showing only minor, irregular bending to the vertical ribs (photo 5). The internal burner mechanism is present and includes the original wick (photo 2). The base plate shows significant surface oxidation and loss to its original dark finish (photo 4).