Crusie Grease tin lamp, ca. early 1700s

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a Grease (Crusie, slot) lamp, measuring 3 ¾” x 5 ½” x 7” high. The sliding door on the top of the pan was filled with grease, fat scraps, fish oil, vegetable oil, etc. The original well-worn wick is still inside. After 1760 most of these lamps used whale oil.

These lamps originated in Europe in the 18th century before becoming popular in the United States. They were commonly made of iron or tin and were most often used in the home, workplace or on ships. This piece remains in nice condition. In “Early American Antiques”, by George Neumann, there are examples of this lamp (see pictures) There are also examples in the Williamsburg VA Revolutionary War Museum (see pictures).