Cornelius Co. Solar Oil Lamp

There can be no disputing that this beautiful solar oil lamp was made by Cornelius Co, Philadelphia. The plaque on the font provides details of the maker and of the dates of the patents they registered.

Cornelius and Co. was established by emigrant Dutch silversmith Christian Cornelius in 1827. He manufactured gas lighting fixtures and in 1831 his son Robert joined the business. It was Robert who patented the solar lamp in 1843. After Christian’s death in 1851 the company became Cornelius and Baker when Robert went into partnership with his brother-in-law Isaac F. Baker.

These elegant Cornelius Co. solar lamps originally burned solid or refined lard oil or even kitchen grease but most were converted to kerosene as it became cheaper and more readily available.

This antique lamp is one of those converted to kerosene but it still retains the original prism ring shade support and crystal lustres. The font and the stem are brass and the stepped base is marble with a patterned brass break between the two pieces.

The beautiful, hand blown etched and hand cut shade is a high quality, faithful reproduction of those originally fitted to solar lamps such as this.

The Cornelius Co. solar lamp has also been fitted with a new burner and chimney.

This is a truly beautiful and elegant lamp and will make quite a statement in your home or collection.

Height to the top of the chimney – 61cm (24″)

Height to the top of the shade – 58cm (22.75″)

Width of the base – 12.5cm (5″)

Diameter of the shade (widest part) – 20cm (8″)

For more information about this antique Cornelius Co. solar lamp, please feel free to contact us and quote “Product code – 0553”