This antique student desk oil lamp was produced by Chicago Makers, Adams & Westlake in the late 1800s. Contrary to what their name implies, student lamps were not reserved for dormitories or libraries. During the Victorian era, they were everywhere. American lamp marketers coined the term "student lamp" because these devices which cast no "under-shadow" were practical sources of light for use while reading and writing. Student lamps came into popularity in the late 19th century.
These kerosene-burning devices are easily identifiable by a central post supporting an easy-to-fill detachable fuel tank (called a "font"), and an adjustable-height arm holding a kerosene burner with wick, all topped by a decorative glass shade and chimney. Victorian-era shades are more desirable and valuable than modern reproductions, but it is easy to swap out the shade for one that best matches your interior decor style. This lamp features solid brass construction and has been converted to be electric, replacing the wick with a standard Type-A light socket and eliminating the need for the clear glass chimney. The electric conversion appears to have been done in the mid-1900s, judging by the plug style, and line switch.The conversion was professionally executed, and this antique light fixture will continue to brighten any room it's placed in for another 100 years to come. The lamp is in excellent working condition, it was clearly well cared for over the last 100 years. Tested and shown working in the photos. The emerald green glass shade is Victorian-era, and likely original to the piece. The brass has a beautiful aged patina, with no negative blemishes or severe oxidation.
It's perfect to display as is or if you like your brass polished, this piece would shine up beautifully. The base also features some lovely decorative elements, featuring flowers and a spade-shaped trim. A perfect addition to a Victorian-style home, or as a unique decor element in any room or office.23.5" x 17" x 10.5. The Adams & Westlake company was founded in 1857 in Chicago, Illinois.
It was located at 110 Ontario Street, Chicago. However, by 1897 they were a diversified world manufacturing leader. In 1927, the Adams & Westlake company relocated to its present site in Elkhart, Indiana.
The company remains there today as a successful manufacturing enterprise. The item "Antique Chicago Brass Student Electric Oil Lamp Adams & Westlake Makers RARE" is in sale since Tuesday, November 30, 2021. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Lamps, Lighting\Lamps". The seller is "coastlinevintage" and is located in Millville, Delaware. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, Japan, China, Sweden, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, South africa, Thailand, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bahamas, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi arabia, Ukraine, United arab emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Croatia, Malaysia, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Jamaica, Barbados, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei darussalam, Bolivia, Egypt, French guiana, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Cayman islands, Liechtenstein, Sri lanka, Luxembourg, Monaco, Macao, Martinique, Maldives, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Reunion, Uruguay.