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How to Determine the Age of an Oil Lamp

Like many antiques, oil-burning lamps are obsolete. Technology has created far more efficient ways to illuminate rooms. But that doesn't stop collectors from admiring these timeworn relics. Oil lamps have been around for centuries, which makes for a rather broad starting point when attempting to determine the age of your oil lamp. Fortunately, there are clear records of the distinct features of oil lamps throughout history, which makes it possible for you to compare your oil lamp to the oil lamps from other eras.

Things You'll Need

Oil lamp catalogs

Instructions

- 1
  Search your oil lamp for markings. Look for manufacturer stamps, signatures, serial numbers or anything else that may help you identify it. These markings are usually engraved somewhere on the metal part of the lamp.
- 2
  Take note of your lamp's most distinctive features. Note if it's tall and thin, or short and fat. Pay attention to the base, stem, burner and the shade.
- 3
  Look through vintage oil lamp catalogs, old magazines or newspaper advertisements from the era of oil lamps. Compare your lamp's distinctive features with the distinctive features of the lamps found in the pictures. When you find a close match, take note of the year of the publication. Research several publications of that year to see if your lamp continues to match the ones manufactured during that time.
- 4
  Find an antiques appraiser by logging onto Appraisers.org (see Resources). Click the "Find an Appraiser" button and fill out your information to view a list of appraisers near you.
- 5
  Take your antique oil lamp into a local appraiser to have him date it. Be prepared to give him the information that you've found as well, including your rough time period estimate and any markings you've found.
- 6
  Take photographs of your antique oil lamp to show to an online appraiser. Include information about any markings found on the lamp.

Antiques