18th Century Crusie Lamp, as in books and museums (SOLD)

The primitive Crusie Lamp was popular in the 1600’s to 1700’s, and still widely used into the 19th century by poor households. It has four channels and the original chain. It measures 4 ½” x 4”, not counting the chain.

A simple lamp, the Cruise is basically a formed metal bowl to hold fuel (oil) with an indentation or channel to hold a wick. This was a durable improvement over the clay pottery lamps of ancient times.

The word “cruise” is of Scottish origin and seems to have been derived from cruse, meaning “a vessel for oil.” As a basic use item, Crusie Lamps were rarely ornate or made with fine metals, but there were occasional exceptions. There are examples in “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, by Neumann & Kravic and in “Early Lighting Devices and accessories” (see pictures).

The archaic Cruise Lamp was popular in the 1600’s to 1700’s, and still widely used into the 19th century by poor households. A type of lamp called Crusie had been in use for many years prior to the landing of the Pilgrims. The cruises that were used in colonial New England were similar in the Scottish highlands The word "crusie" is of Scottish origin and seems to have been derived from "cruse", a vessel for oil.

This lamp saw extended use but still remains in solid condition. These lamps would have been used by civilians, as well as soldiers. A great addition to any collection. It was part of the large collection I have been working on.