What is a whale oil lamp?

A whale oil lamp is a lamp that uses whale oil for fuel. Whale oil lamps were largely made from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Antique whale oil lamps are collectibles today and an older specimen will be a striking addition to your mantel or display cabinet. Find a collection of antique and vintage whale oil lamps on 1stDibs today.

How do I tell if an oil lamp is antique?

There are a few key things to look for to identify an antique oil lamp. First check for a patent number anywhere on your lamp. Use a black light to inspect whether your lamp’s hardware is secured with glue, which fluoresces and would indicate a contemporary lamp. Antique lamps use plaster to attach hardware and fill gaps. An antique oil lamp may have hand-blown glass. Shop a range of professionally authenticated antique oil lamps on 1stDibs.

How does a Roman oil lamp work?

Roman oil lamps are simply containers filled with oil, in which a wick made up of cloth or rope rests on one end. The other end of the wick comes in contact with the air. When the wick is lit, the oil in it burns and gives out light.

How do you use a brass oil lamp?

How you use a brass oil lamp may vary based on the design of the piece. However, generally, you fill the lamp with vegetable, sesame or similar plant-based oil. Use tweezers to raise and lower the wick and trim away burned ends with scissors. Then, use a match to light the lamp. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oil lamps.

How do I use a hanging oil lamp?

To use a hanging oil lamp, remove the oil font from the base and fill it three-quarters of the way with clear lamp oil. Return the font and close the base. Twist the knob to raise the wick until it is a little less than 0.25 inches above the burner. Light with a match or lighter. After extinguishing and allowing time for cooling, trim the burned end off of the wick. You'll find a collection of hanging oil lamps on 1stDibs.

Are oil lamps still used?

Yes, oil lamps are still used today. However, most people utilize oil lamps while camping or during power outages in the U.S. It is uncommon for Americans to light their homes only with oil lamps. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique oil lamps.

Who invented the Victorian oil lamp?

The Victorian oil lamp was designed in 1792 by inventor Ami Argan. What made this lamp unique to the ones that preceded it is the unique shape, featuring a long glass shaft that aids the illumination of the lamp. Browse a collection of vintage Victorian oil lamps on 1stDibs.

When did they start using oil lamps?

People began using early versions of oil lamps for spiritual purposes during ancient times. References to oil-burning lamps are found in both the Torah and the Bible. Oil lamps became popular for everyday use lighting homes and businesses in the late 19th century with the advent of the kerosene lamp. Shop a selection of antique oil lamps on 1stDibs.

Shabbat Oil Lamp

19th Century Afghan Silver Shabbat Oil Lamp

$7,800

19th Century Afghan Silver Shabbat Oil Lamp

Located in New York, NY

Silver Sabbath oil lamp, Afghanistan, late 19th century. Featuring a rimmed bowl elevated on a paneled stem, with larger drip pan below, resting on three feet. Extended piece of han...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Afghan Religious Items

Materials

Silver

Recent Sales

Antique Jewish Oil Lamp Design Hand Carved Alabaster Pendant Fixture, circa 1900

Sold

H 36 in Dm 14.5 in

Antique Jewish Oil Lamp Design Hand Carved Alabaster Pendant Fixture, circa 1900

Located in Lisse, NL

To us, this perfectly hand carved alabaster shade is shaped just like the Jewish Shabbat oil lamps. The ideal combination of the white and black mineral stone and the original rope m...

Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Alabaster

Late 19th Century Iraqi Silver Hanukkah Lamp

$3,835

H 1.58 in W 7.88 in D 5.52 in

Late 19th Century Iraqi Silver Hanukkah Lamp

Located in New York, NY

Unique silver Hanukkah lamp, Iraq, circa 1880. On four feet, a handmade silver tray with nine candle holders for eight days of Hanukkah, and one for the servant light- the Shamash. ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Iraqi Religious Items

Materials

Silver

A Moroccan Silver Shabbat Kiddush Cup and Original Tray, circa 1890

$7,500

H 2.76 in Dm 4.73 in

A Moroccan Silver Shabbat Kiddush Cup and Original Tray, circa 1890

Located in New York, NY

An impressive Moroccan silver Shabbat Kiddush cup and its original tray from circa 1890 is a remarkable and rare piece of Judaica, that reflects the artistic heritage of Moroccan Jew...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Moroccan Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Baroque 19th Century Hand-Worked Repoussé Sterling Oil Lamp Footed Menorah

$3,475

H 5.125 in W 5.25 in D 2.25 in

Baroque 19th Century Hand-Worked Repoussé Sterling Oil Lamp Footed Menorah

Located in New York, NY

This rare and exquisitely crafted 19th-century hand-worked repoussé oil lamp menorah from Poland reflects the rich cultural and artistic traditions of Eastern European Judaica. Desig...

Category

Antique 19th Century Polish Baroque Religious Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

Late 19th Century Chinese Silver Kiddush Goblet

$3,800

H 4.34 in Dm 2.37 in

Late 19th Century Chinese Silver Kiddush Goblet

Located in New York, NY

Chinese export silver covered Kiddush goblet, 19th century. Round cup on a stem mounted to a flat circular foot. Stepped domed cover with bird finial. With repoussé scrolled floral ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Religious Items

Materials

Silver

Austrian Continental Silver (.835) Chamberstick in the 17th Century Style

$1,175

H 4.25 in Dm 4 in

Austrian Continental Silver (.835) Chamberstick in the 17th Century Style

Located in New York, NY

Austrian, Continental Silver (.835), chamberstick in the 17th Century Style, dated Ca. 1900, maker's initials FR. Measures 4 1/4 inches high x 4 inches diameter x 5 inches wide from ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Other Candlesticks

Materials

Sterling Silver

18th Century Polish Brass Hanukkah Lamp

$5,500

H 8.27 in W 9.45 in D 5.91 in

18th Century Polish Brass Hanukkah Lamp

Located in New York, NY

The backplate is cast and pierced with a central two-handled vase of flowers, flanked by fully formed birds with their heads turned outward. The side panels fitted with two servant l...

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Polish Religious Items

Materials

Brass

Rare 19th Century Indian Neoclassical Silver Oil Lamp

$3,400

H 17.5 in W 6 in D 6 in

Rare 19th Century Indian Neoclassical Silver Oil Lamp

Located in Essex, MA

Period Indian silver oil lamp of neoclassical inspiration --Early 19th century --Original Throughout including wick tools and flame/ball finial ----heavily inspired by the Roman...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Indian Neoclassical Table Lamps

Materials

Silver

German 18th Century Silver Hanukkah Lamp by Herfurth

$27,648

H 6.89 in W 9.06 in D 2.76 in

German 18th Century Silver Hanukkah Lamp by Herfurth

Located in London, GB

German 18th century silver Hanukkah lamp by Herfurth German, c. 1760 Height 17.5cm, width 23cm, depth 7cm This exceptional German Hanukkah lamp was produced in the 18th century ...

Category

Antique Mid-17th Century German Religious Items

Materials

Silver

19th Century Iraqi Silver Hanukkah Lamp Menorah

$7,900

H 9 in W 10.5 in D 6.5 in

19th Century Iraqi Silver Hanukkah Lamp Menorah

Located in New York, NY

Handcut strips of silver that have been bent into curvilinear shapes, with semicircle of candle-sockets, complete with drip-pans. A cast-made pair of birds, appearing to be ducks or ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Iraqi Religious Items

Materials

Silver

Early 20th Century Polish Silver Plated Shabbat Candelsticks

$2,800 / set

H 13.78 in W 4.93 in D 4.93 in

Early 20th Century Polish Silver Plated Shabbat Candelsticks

Located in New York, NY

Rare pair of silver-plated brass Shabbat candlesticks, crafted in Warsaw, Poland, in 1908. These matching Shabbat candlesticks, impressed with flowers, lions and Stars of David, are ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Polish Candlesticks

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

An Iraqi Silver Shabbat Candlestick Holder, circa 1920. Judaica

$2,950

H 6.7 in W 5.52 in D 3.63 in

An Iraqi Silver Shabbat Candlestick Holder, circa 1920. Judaica

Located in New York, NY

An Iraqi silver Shabbat candlestick holder from around 1920 is a remarkable piece of Judaica, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Iraqi Jewish community. ...

Category

Vintage 1920s Iraqi Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Bezalel Silver Hanukkah Lamp, Jerusalem, Circa 1920

$4,500

H 5.24 in W 5.71 in D 1.38 in

Bezalel Silver Hanukkah Lamp, Jerusalem, Circa 1920

Located in New York, NY

An exceptional early 20th-century silver Hanukkah lamp produced by the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts in Jerusalem, circa 1920, richly worked in repoussé and incorporating many of...

Category

Vintage 1920s Israeli Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Spice TowerJudaica in Silver, 20th Century

$600

H 9.45 in Dm 1.97 in

Spice TowerJudaica in Silver, 20th Century

Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA

Spice Tower in Judaic Silver, 20th Century A beautiful spice tower of typical design, with four flags, the tower is topped with a small ball. Set on a round leg. Decorated with filig...

Category

20th Century European Art Deco Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

19th Century Chinese Silver Kiddush Goblet with a Saucer

$6,500

H 5.91 in Dm 3.55 in

19th Century Chinese Silver Kiddush Goblet with a Saucer

Located in New York, NY

Chinese export silver covered Kiddush cup, 19th century. Round bowl on baluster stem mounted to stepped and flat circular foot. Double domed cover with pointed finial. Engraved band...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Religious Items

Materials

Silver

A Silver Shabbat Candelabra, Austria Circa 1925

$6,500

H 11.82 in W 10.83 in D 8.08 in

A Silver Shabbat Candelabra, Austria Circa 1925

Located in New York, NY

An elegant silver Shabbat candelabra from Austria circa 1925 is an impressive piece of Judaica, blending the cultural and artistic heritage of Jewish traditions with the craftsmanshi...

Category

Vintage 1920s Austrian Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Early 20th-Century German Silver Havdalah Spice Tower

$1,800

H 7.29 in W 2.37 in D 2.37 in

Early 20th-Century German Silver Havdalah Spice Tower

Located in New York, NY

Dating to the early 20th century, this German silver Havdalah spice tower (besamim container) is fashioned in the traditional architectural form that had become one of the most recog...

Category

Vintage 1920s German Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

People Also Browsed

Golden Jewish Wedding Ring, Europe, Second Half of the 19th Century

$9,250

H 0.4 in Dm 1.58 in

Golden Jewish Wedding Ring, Europe, Second Half of the 19th Century

Located in New York, NY

An elegant and historically evocative Jewish wedding ring, fashioned entirely of gold and delicately adorned with minute filigree work. Fine, hand-twisted golden chains encircle the ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Monumental 19th-Century Moroccan Moorish Studded Wood Riad Door

$8,950

H 104 in W 64 in D 3 in

Monumental 19th-Century Moroccan Moorish Studded Wood Riad Door

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Monumental 19th-century Moroccan Hispano-Moresque studded wood doorway, handcrafted in Marrakech. This impressive antique Moroccan door features a smaller arched wicket door incorpor...

Category

Antique 19th Century Moroccan Moorish Doors and Gates

Materials

Iron

Antique Judaica Wine/ Water Ceramic Large Jug with Allegorical Images

$14,500

H 37 in W 30 in D 25 in

Antique Judaica Wine/ Water Ceramic Large Jug with Allegorical Images

Located in Doha, QA

This remarkable antique ceramic jug, likely from the late 18th century stands as a testament to symbolic craftsmanship and cultural interweaving. Its white-glazed body, adorned with ...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Spanish Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

A Miniature Silver Spice Container, Poland-Ukraine Circa 1830

$3,200

H 4.34 in W 1.38 in D 1.38 in

A Miniature Silver Spice Container, Poland-Ukraine Circa 1830

Located in New York, NY

This exquisite early 19th-century silver spice container, crafted in the Poland–Ukraine region around 1830, is a remarkable example of miniature Judaica infused with refined naturali...

Category

Antique 1830s Polish Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Antique Silver Judaica Spice Container with Vermeil Flag

$675

H 4.75 in Dm 2.25 in

Antique Silver Judaica Spice Container with Vermeil Flag

Located in New York, NY

This exquisite silver Judaica spice container, crafted in 19th-century Prague, is a superb representation of artistry and cultural significance. Designed for use in the Havdalah cere...

Category

Antique 19th Century Czech International Style Tableware

Materials

Silver

Large and Impressive German Antique Finely Engraved Judaica Pewter Seder Plate

$4,376

H 0.99 in Dm 14.38 in

Large and Impressive German Antique Finely Engraved Judaica Pewter Seder Plate

Located in London, GB

The fine German antique pewter plate depicts a family scene, as the group sits at the table during the Passover Seder. Around the rim of the plate are various engraved Hebrew inscrip...

Category

Antique 19th Century Religious Items

Materials

Pewter

Yemenite Jewish Bridal Bracelet – Silver Filigree Dowry Ornament

$1,200

H 5.5 in Dm 3.5 in

Yemenite Jewish Bridal Bracelet – Silver Filigree Dowry Ornament

Located in New York, NY

This exquisite handmade silver bracelet is a remarkable example of traditional Yemenite Jewish bridal jewelry, crafted as part of a dowry set. Meticulously fashioned in the distincti...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Yemeni Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Silver

Handmade 14K Gold Filigree Star of David Pendant with Green Enamel Chai Symbol

$1,750

H 1.58 in Dm 1.38 in

Handmade 14K Gold Filigree Star of David Pendant with Green Enamel Chai Symbol

Located in New York, NY

This exquisite handmade 14k gold filigree pendant features a Star of David as its central motif, adorned with intricate openwork filigree that showcases delicate swirling patterns, g...

Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Late 19th Century Hand-Carved Pine American Decalogue Pediment

$5,500

H 14.25 in W 36 in D 5 in

Late 19th Century Hand-Carved Pine American Decalogue Pediment

Located in Montreal, QC

This unusual pediment is from the top of an ark, it is original down to the pegs that would attach it except a very minor refreshing of the blue paint. The tablets are carved in r...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Pine

A Jewish German Silver Wedding Ring, Probably Circa 1800

$6,250

H 2.37 in W 1.07 in D 0.48 in

A Jewish German Silver Wedding Ring, Probably Circa 1800

Located in New York, NY

This exceptional Jewish wedding ring, likely crafted in Germany around 1800, is a striking and symbolic piece, richly imbued with tradition and meaning. Unlike conventional rings, th...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century German Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chevra Kadisha Memorial Cards in Original Iron Box – Budapest, 1880

$2,500

H 25 in W 15 in D 5 in

Chevra Kadisha Memorial Cards in Original Iron Box – Budapest, 1880

Located in New York, NY

This rare collection of Chevra Kadisha (Jewish burial society) memorial cards, dating back to 1880, originates from Budapest. These handwritten and printed cards, preserved in their ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Hungarian Religious Items

Materials

Iron

A 20th Century American Silver Kiddush Goblet

$980

H 6.07 in Dm 2.76 in

A 20th Century American Silver Kiddush Goblet

Located in New York, NY

This elegant 20th-century American silver Kiddush goblet is a striking example of refined Judaica design, blending traditional Jewish symbolism with classic American silversmithing o...

Category

20th Century American Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Textile Embroidered Tefillin Bag Moroccan or Turkish, Early 20th Century Judaica

$1,500

H 0.4 in W 10.24 in D 10.63 in

Textile Embroidered Tefillin Bag Moroccan or Turkish, Early 20th Century Judaica

Located in New York, NY

Tefillin Bag Textile bag stunningly embroidered with flower scrolling overlooking an ocean in gold colored thread on both sides. Center of embroidery features a soaring phoenix with ...

Category

Early 20th Century Decorative Art

Materials

Textile

Antique Holy Land Map, Twelve Tribes of Israel – Covens & Mortier, c.1700

$1,369

H 15.75 in W 18.51 in D 0.01 in

Antique Holy Land Map, Twelve Tribes of Israel – Covens & Mortier, c.1700

Located in Langweer, NL

Antique Holy Land Map, Twelve Tribes of Israel – Covens & Mortier, c.1700 Description: This finely engraved early 18th-century map depicts the Holy Land divided according to the...

Category

Antique Early 18th Century French Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Moroccan Handmade Silver Hamsa with Lizard Symbol – 1880

$1,800

H 4.73 in W 3.15 in D 1.58 in

Antique Moroccan Handmade Silver Hamsa with Lizard Symbol – 1880

Located in New York, NY

This rare handmade Moroccan Hamsa pendant, crafted in 1880, is made of intricately engraved silver and features a three-dimensional lizard, a symbol of health, healing, and regenerat...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Moroccan Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Silver

A Limited Edition Porcelain JNF Tzedakah Box, By Tiffany

$1,300

H 3.15 in W 3.15 in D 3.15 in

A Limited Edition Porcelain JNF Tzedakah Box, By Tiffany

Located in New York, NY

This exquisite limited-edition porcelain tzedakah box, designed exclusively by Tiffany & Co., stands as a rare and meaningful fusion of Jewish heritage, artistic elegance, and modern...

Category

20th Century Religious Items

Materials

Porcelain

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Shabbat Oil Lamp For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic shabbat oil lamp available at 1stDibs. Each shabbat oil lamp for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, brass and stone. Your living room may not be complete without a shabbat oil lamp — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right shabbat oil lamp, those designed in Baroque and Rococo styles are of considerable interest. David Palombo each produced at least one beautiful shabbat oil lamp that is worth considering.

How Much is a Shabbat Oil Lamp?

The average selling price for a shabbat oil lamp at 1stDibs is $2,938, while they’re typically $1,200 on the low end and $10,000 for the highest priced.

Questions About Shabbat Oil Lamp

What is a whale oil lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A whale oil lamp is a lamp that uses whale oil for fuel. Whale oil lamps were largely made from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Antique whale oil lamps are collectibles today and an older specimen will be a striking addition to your mantel or display cabinet. Find a collection of antique and vintage whale oil lamps on 1stDibs today.
How do I tell if an oil lamp is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are a few key things to look for to identify an antique oil lamp. First check for a patent number anywhere on your lamp. Use a black light to inspect whether your lamp’s hardware is secured with glue, which fluoresces and would indicate a contemporary lamp. Antique lamps use plaster to attach hardware and fill gaps. An antique oil lamp may have hand-blown glass. Shop a range of professionally authenticated antique oil lamps on 1stDibs.
How does a Roman oil lamp work?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
Roman oil lamps are simply containers filled with oil, in which a wick made up of cloth or rope rests on one end. The other end of the wick comes in contact with the air. When the wick is lit, the oil in it burns and gives out light.
How do you use a brass oil lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
How you use a brass oil lamp may vary based on the design of the piece. However, generally, you fill the lamp with vegetable, sesame or similar plant-based oil. Use tweezers to raise and lower the wick and trim away burned ends with scissors. Then, use a match to light the lamp. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oil lamps.
How do I use a hanging oil lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To use a hanging oil lamp, remove the oil font from the base and fill it three-quarters of the way with clear lamp oil. Return the font and close the base. Twist the knob to raise the wick until it is a little less than 0.25 inches above the burner. Light with a match or lighter. After extinguishing and allowing time for cooling, trim the burned end off of the wick. You'll find a collection of hanging oil lamps on 1stDibs.
Are oil lamps still used?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, oil lamps are still used today. However, most people utilize oil lamps while camping or during power outages in the U.S. It is uncommon for Americans to light their homes only with oil lamps. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique oil lamps.
Who invented the Victorian oil lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The Victorian oil lamp was designed in 1792 by inventor Ami Argan. What made this lamp unique to the ones that preceded it is the unique shape, featuring a long glass shaft that aids the illumination of the lamp. Browse a collection of vintage Victorian oil lamps on 1stDibs.
When did they start using oil lamps?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
People began using early versions of oil lamps for spiritual purposes during ancient times. References to oil-burning lamps are found in both the Torah and the Bible. Oil lamps became popular for everyday use lighting homes and businesses in the late 19th century with the advent of the kerosene lamp. Shop a selection of antique oil lamps on 1stDibs.