How To Tell If An Oil Lamp Is Valuable
You've probably seen this in period films, your grandma's house, or an antique shop. The oil lamp may seem outdated, but it certainly hasn't lost its value. If you happen to stumble on an oil lamp or inherit one, we'll give you some tips on how to tell if oil lamp is valuable.
A Quick Guide: All You Need To Know About Oil Lamps
Oil lamps were used thousands of years ago as a form of lighting. The oldest known lamp was stone-oil and was most likely fueled by olive oil. It has since evolved into other styles based on its material, design, and structure.
Antique Vs. Vintage Oil Lamps
Since we're looking into how to tell if oil lamp is valuable, we have to understand these two definitions first.
- Antique - an item more than 100 years old
- Vintage - an item that represented its era, and made between 20 to 100 years old.
An item can be vintage but not antique, but an antique is understood to be vintage. So, do you have a vintage or antique oil lamp? If it's neither, don't worry. A lot of modern oil lamps hold value because of other aspects.
The Oil Lamp Collector And Oil Lamp Value
If we're dealing with antique oil lamps worth money, we must understand who we are selling it to. The customer profile is an oil lamp collector. Here are some things collectors look for in a valuable oil lamp:
- Condition - The condition of an oil lamp can significantly affect its value.
-check the underside of your lamp for scratches or damages
-check if the lamp has gone through any updated repairs like new paint or glue
We recommend that you collect oil lamps in excellent condition and with complete parts to get its best value.
Tip: Scratching the lamp surface helps determine its material, and if the feel of your lamp is greasy, it may be in its original shade.
- Decoration - The parts of a lamp that make up its decorative look may sometimes be more expensive than the lamp itself:
-molded glass with patterns
-colored or depression glass
-hand-painted pieces
-ceramic transferware stems - Manufacturer - One way on how to tell if oil lamp is valuable is in its manufacturer. Composite lamps are popular among collectors, and they collect separate parts and the entire lamp. If the name of a well-known oil lamp manufacturer is stamped in an oil lamp and its parts, the value increases.
Tip: When in doubt, have your oil lamp checked by a professional for an appraisal.
Conclusion
We'll never know the treasures that might fall into our lap. Now that you have an idea of how to tell if oil lamp is valuable, you can start a collection for yourself or an eager collector. Either way, it's a win.