Boston and Sandwich Glass Co.
Kerosene Lamp

Public Domain

ExpandFavorite

MakerAttributed to Boston and Sandwich Glass Co.American, 1826–1888

CultureAmerican

Titles

Kerosene Lamp

Datec. 1860–1880

Made inSandwich, Massachusetts, United States

MediumLead glass, gilding, and brass

Dimensions12 7/8 × 5 1/8 × 5 1/8 in. (32.8 × 13 × 13 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Alice C. Simkins in memory of Alice N. Hanszen

Object numberB.2003.17

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Docent Foyer (Sam Houston Hall)

On view

Explore Further

Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

GLASS

DescriptionIn 1854, the Canadian geologist Abraham Gesner obtained a patent for a lamp oil he called kerosene from the Greek keroselaion, meaning wax-oil. It was first manufactured by distilling coal tar and shale oil, but petroleum became the major source after 1859, when Edwin Drake drilled the first petroleum well in Pennsylvania. Compared to other lighting fuels, it was cleaner, relatively safe and affordable, and illuminated brightly. Kerosene soon became the most popular liquid fuel for illumination.
ProvenanceWilliam C. Hogg (1875–1930); Estate of William C. Hogg; inherited by his brother, Mike Hogg (1885–1941), and sister-in-law, Alice Nicholson Hogg (1900–1977), later Alice Nicholson Hanszen, Houston; Estate of Alice Nicholson Hanszen; inherited by her niece, Alice C. Simkins, San Antonio; given to MFAH, 2003.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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