Late 19th Century Cobalt Blue Glass Ball Fluid Oil Lamp Appraisal

Late 19th Century Cobalt Blue Glass Ball Fluid Oil Lamp

This is a late Victorian era miniature fluid or whale oil lamp, featuring a distinctive cobalt blue glass orb reservoir. The item is approximately 5 to 6 inches in height and sits upon a flared, weighted base made of a silver-toned white metal or pewter. The glass reservoir is embossed with a patent date which appears to read 'MARCH 14 1893', indicating a manufacturing period in the late 19th century. The burner assembly is a simple vertical tube with a small snuff cap attached by a delicate metal chain. The metal components exhibit a significant amount of dark, heavy patina and surface oxidation, particularly around the collar and the wick tube, which is characteristic of long-term use and storage. The glass orb remains vibrant in color with no visible cracks or deep chips, representing high-quality molded craftsmanship for its era. Such lamps were originally used for portable lighting or as small desk lamps. The construction involves a glass-to-metal interface secured with plaster or cement, a common assembly method for the period. The presence of the original snuffer cap and chain adds to its collectibility, as these small parts are frequently lost over time.