A Diminutive Classical Sinumbra

Boston, Massachusetts
Circa 1825
William Carleton

While most of the lighting utilizing the argand burner mechanisms were manufactured in England and France, there were American companies producing high quality lighting. One of those manufacturers was William Carleton in Boston. His manufacturing company tagged this lamp on the burner tube: MANUFACTURED BY/W. CARLETON/BOSTON. Made in much smaller numbers than the conventional sinumbras, these diminutive lamps are prized by collectors. This lamp is presented in a lovely patinated finish with gilt highlights. A particularly handsome frosted and cut glass shade rests on the font.

Reference: Feld, Stuart P. Boston in the Age of Neo-Classicism. New York, New York: Hirschl & Adler Galleries, 2000. Page 91, Plate 51.

Bronze, brass, tin, and glass
Height: 18 ¾”
D1185