Continental: Fluid Lamp; Continental; 19th century; Pewter; Pewter lamps were commonly used in homes; offices; and public buildings during the nineteenth century. This example from Europe has a pedestal base; a bulbous fuel reservoir; two curved wick shafts (missing their glass chimneys); and a screw-on top. The shallowness of its reservoir may indicate that the lamp was designed to burn whale oil; which was liquid at room temperature and could rise up the wick without pressure. The light produced would have been about ten times brighter than a candle; with far less smoke. Kerosene was discovered at midcentury and; being much cheaper; displaced whale oil as the lamp fuel of choice.; Overall: 10 5/8 x 5 1/8 x 5 in. (27 x 13 x 12.7 cm)