Brass Lamps for the Nautical Collector

The lives of the townspeople of a town on the cliffs of the ocean surrounded by mist rely heavily on light to guide their steps.Though during the daytime there wasn’t a major concern over light, portable light sources to use at night were very important.This need for light was not limited to sea side villages only.With the introduction of oil as a resource for fire, lamps became very popular.Prior to this invention, most lamps were simply candles encased in glass.These pieces today are used for decorative purposes and as backups in case of power outages.

Among all the creations made as tools for humanity, brass lamps are some of the most remembered.The popularity of brass lamps was due in part to their simple design and cost efficient fueling method.The first few lamps made were crafted from light, inexpensive tin metal.Tin was a more popular material in the mountains, while brass reigned dominant in places along the coasts.Because of the natural ocean water resistant properties of brass, the metal casing of brass lamps rarely ever rusted or otherwise corroded because of exposure.This made brass lamps invaluable to many of those who lived on or near the ocean.The merchant class typically used these lamps the most often, as they traveled long distances at all hours in order to peddle their wares.

Brass lamps of today are commonly employed as decorative installments in a room, and they bring a much needed old fashioned feel to any area.Both the home and office are fitting places for these nautical gifts.Unlike other display items, these lamps can also function well as a light source.More than any other old fashioned light source, brass lamps give off a defined and unique glow.This is due in part to the lighting effect an oil-fed flame has versus regular electric bulbs.In emergencies, these lamps can serve as a great asset to any home.Many survival and first aid kits are often equipped with small lamps that either rely on batteries or oil.

Two major types of old fashioned lamps exist - those running on gas and those running on oil. But gas-powered lamps are preferred when used in conjunction with brass lamps.Brass is one of the few metals that has difficulties with hot oil on its outer layer.Oil lamps were also a hazard on the ocean, as hot oil and cold water colliding could spell disaster for any ship.Vessels were therefore extremely grateful when the gas lamp was first introduced.Despite the changes in fuel, brass was still the favorite choice for metal lamps used on sea vessels.Because most lamps used whale oil, ships had more access to oil fuel than gas fuel.Because of this conundrum, many oil lamps were used as a first choice, and gas lamps were employed only when the oil lamps ran out completely.

In comparison with today’s lanterns, the brass lamps of old times were sturdy and built to last a long time.Whether for decoration or for more practical use, brass lamps are greatly versatile.