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How to Collect Ancient Oil Lamps

Antiquing has become a popular and lucrative hobby for many people, especially those who want to share their love of religious artifacts. Ancient oil lamps, used from the Neolithic period in Israel to the Victorian era, appeal to some collectors because of their connection to oil lamps of Biblical times. Oil lamps changed over time from the small teapot-shaped lamps of ancient times to the tall glass fixtures of the 19th century.

Things You'll Need

Passport (for traveling abroad)
Photographs of ancient oil lamps for comparison

Instructions

- 1
  Find antique oil lamps to consider purchasing. You can search several online retailers for antique oil lamps, search antique shops and estate sales or travel overseas to the places where these artifacts were used.
- 2
  Verify the authenticity of the lamps you plan to purchase by comparing photographs and checking for indicators of the manufacturing origins. Carbon dating can be used to authenticate ancient pieces.
- 3
  Purchase and transport your antique pieces carefully. The older a piece is, the more fragile it is and the more likely that it will incur damage if not handled with extreme care.
- 4
  Display your pieces in a climate-controlled, well-secured area. Improper storage will accelerate the aging and deterioration of extremely old pieces, and highly valuable pieces could attract would-be thieves.

Antiques