Argand Lamp

Datec. 1820

Mediumgilt bronze, brass, and cut glass

Dimensions23 × 13 × 5 1/2 inches (58.4 × 33 × 14 cm)

MarkingsInscribed: J & I COX NEW YORK

Credit LineGift of Fenton L. B. Brown.

Object number1981.18.1

On View

Not on view

CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextLamps adorned the living spaces of 19th-century homes and allowed for entertainment and other leisure to stretch further into the night. Argand lamps, first patented in 1780 by Swiss physicist and chemist Aimé Argand (1750–1803), became exceedingly popular because of its ability to burn oil brighter than the earlier whale oil lamps and candles. It also burned for longer periods and produced less smoke.

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