Veritas Lamp Works - Oil lamp - Milk glass and engraved glass

ANTIEKE VERITAS LAMP WORKS PETROLEUMLAMP – PINK BLOSSOM GLASS, DUPLEX BURNER AND HAND-BLOWN GLASS – C. 1880–1910

A distinctive antique Veritas Lamp Works oil lamp (petroleum lamp) with a pink glass oil reservoir, colorful floral paintings, brass fittings and a richly decorated, hand-blown glass shade.

This elegant lamp features a duplex burner, a tall transparent glass chimney and a black, glossy base. The combination of pink floral glass, brass and the partly frosted glass shade gives the lamp a characteristic Victorian appearance.

With a total height of about 58 cm, this is a striking decorative object for enthusiasts of antique lighting, historic glasswork and unusual collectibles.

ORIGIN AND HISTORY
At the bottom of the black base there is an oval depressed factory stamp with the text "VERITAS LAMP WORKS".

Veritas was a well-known name in the British lighting industry and was associated with Falk, Stadelmann & Co., a major manufacturer and supplier of petroleum lighting, gas lamps and lighting components. The company listed 1882 as its founding year and was active, among others, from Birmingham and London.

In the first half of the 20th century Falk, Stadelmann & Co. grew into one of the larger British lamp producers. With the rise of electric lighting, the industry changed dramatically. The original production activities of the company were eventually terminated in the 1960s.

The name Veritas is thus linked to an important chapter in the history of British lighting.

ESTIMATED AGE
Based on the design, the brass duplex burner, the black base, the decorative glasswork and the oval Veritas Lamp Works stamp, this oil lamp is provisionally dated to circa 1880–1910.

This period covers the late Victorian era and the early Edwardian period. The graceful floral decoration, the combination of different materials and the richly worked glass shade align with the design of that era.

Similar Veritas duplex lamps with a black base and etched glass shade are described in historical auction catalogues as late-19th century. An exact production date for this specific piece has not been established. It cannot be confirmed with certainty that all parts originally belonged together with this lamp.

SPECIAL FEATURES AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
The pink glass oil reservoir is decorated with a colorful floral motif in various shades. The opaque pink glass is presumably milk glass and forms a striking contrast with the brass fittings and the black base.

The brass duplex burner features two separate wick regulateers. The knobs are adorned with a decorative emblem, contributing to the lamp’s authentic appearance.

Above the burner is a tall, transparent glass chimney. Surrounding it is the graceful glass shade, partly frosted and featuring a refined decorative pattern.

A notable feature is the visible characteristics of hand-blown glass. Small irregularities in the glass components reveal the artisanal character of the manufacture. This adds charm and makes the glasswork interesting for collectors.

The black, glossy base has a stepped form and bears at the bottom the oval factory stamp with the text VERITAS LAMP WORKS.

CONDITION AND DAMAGES
The lamp appears visually in good condition for its age, aside from the damages and signs of use described below.

The pink glass reservoir has a damage.

The metal inner workings of the duplex burner are damaged. At the level of the wick openings there is a visible crack with some deformation of the metal. In addition there are age-related discolorations and oxidation. This damage is also clearly photographed.

There are a few lines on the long transparent glass chimney. These are engraved in the glass and do not constitute cracks or broken glass. They are characteristics of the glass itself.

The visible damages and signs of use are documented in the photos.

The oil lamp has not been tested for operation. Due to the damage to the burner, safe operation cannot be guaranteed. The lamp is therefore offered as an antique decorative object and collectible, not as ready-to-use lighting. Any research into operation or restoration should be undertaken by someone with sufficient knowledge of historical petroleum lighting.

The lamp is sold in the condition shown. Please view all photos carefully, as these form an important part of the description and provide a good impression of the condition.

SPECIFICATIONS AND DIMENSIONS
Brand stamp: Veritas Lamp Works
Object: antique oil lamp / petroleum lamp
Estimated period: circa 1880–1910
Brand origin: United Kingdom, connected to Birmingham and London
Style: late Victorian / early Edwardian
Burner: brass duplex burner with two separate wick regulators
Reservoir: pink, opaque glass with floral decoration, presumably milk glass
Glass shade: hand-blown, partly frosted glass with decorative pattern
Chimney: tall, transparent glass
Base: black, glossy and stepped, with oval factory stamp
Materials: glass, brass and black-finished base
Glass production: visible features of hand-blown glass
Total height including glass: circa 58 cm
Height without glass: circa 33 cm
Diameter: circa 20 cm
Condition: damages and signs of age as described and photographed
Operation: not tested; safe operation not guaranteed

A REMARKABLE PIECE OF LIGHTING HISTORY
This antique Veritas Lamp Works petroleum lamp combines a recognizable historic brand name with graceful floral glass, hand-crafted glass components and the elegant form of classic duplex oil lamps.

A characterful collectible that will appeal to lovers of antique lighting as well as collectors of decorative glassware. Even as a decorative object, this lamp makes a striking focal point and serves as a tangible reminder of British lighting history.