Plume & Atwood Manufacturing Co. (1869-1955)
‘Leon’s Ribbed’ / ‘Lighthouse’ / ‘Quarter-Dollar Leader’ Night Lamp (c. 1890)
‘Acorn’ Burner
Light Blue Glass
5 3/4″ high
Notes: American miniature oil lamp or “Night Lamp”, 5 ¾” h. X 2 ½” d., referred to as the “Leon’s Ribbed”, the font and shade of light blue opaque glass, it sports a double ridged collar and a nickel-plated “Acorn” burner made by Plume & Atwood Manufacturing Co., United States, c. 1890.
This lamp is also referred to as its advertising name the, “Quarter-Dollar Leader” or in some circles the “Lighthouse.” The 1894 wholesale catalogue the “Silent Salesman” put it this way, “The dealer that can’t sell this for a quarter each would be unable to give goods away.” It also listed it as being “especially adapted for night or kitchen lamp.”
Markings: embossed concentrically on key, “P & A MFG CO. ACORN”
Condition: It is in Very Good Vintage Condition; the colour of the font and shade are slightly different hues of light blue, this is correct and original to manufacture. The hardware leans slightly to the right, it is likely this can be adjusted but we have left it as found for the buyers preferences, the thumb wheel turns freely, wick not included.
Literature: Miniature Lamps; Frank & Ruth Smith, pp. 98, fig. 177.; Price Guide for Miniature Lamps; Marjorie Hulsebus.
(Ring box shown for scale, not included in sale.)
