Thomas Messenger and Sons
Argand Lamp (one of a pair)

Public Domain

ExpandFavorite

MakerProbably Thomas Messenger and Sons (English, active 19th century)English, active 19th century

Retailer John and Joseph Cox (American, active 1818–1852)American, active 1818–1852

CultureEnglish

Titles

Argand Lamp (one of a pair)

Datec. 1830–1850

Retailed inNew York , New York, United States

Made inBirmingham, England

MediumBrass and glass

Dimensions21 1/4 × 19 1/2 in. (54 × 49.5 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg

Object numberB.68.15.1.A-.C

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Chillman Parlor

On view

Explore Further

Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

METALWORK

DescriptionIn 1784, Swiss chemist Aimé Argand patented a lamp with a tubular wick and a draft system that brought more oxygen to the flame for a much brighter light than a candle could provide. Sinumbra lamps and solar lamps were improvements on Argand’s principle that came during the 1800s. Without the Argand lamp’s projecting arms that supported the oil reservoirs, sinumbra and solar lamps cast less shadow and were better suited for placement in the center of a table. These lamps burned a variety of fuels, including whale oil, vegetable oils, lard, and turpentine-alcohol mixtures. Some were smelly and smoky; some were dangerous. Kerosene made from petroleum quickly became the most widely used fuel for lighting after the Civil War and made all these lamp types obsolete.
Provenance[The Green Bottle Antique Shop, Houston]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg, 1968; given to MFAH, 1968.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

[none]

Stamped on bottom: J & I Cox New York

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.