Antique 18th C / Possibly 17th Century Continental Brass 7 Wick Shabbat Oil Lamp Judenstern

Details

Description

Design Significance & Historical Provenance
Originating from Central Europe, the star-form seven-wick brass oil lamp (Judenstern) represents a historic intersection … Read more Design Significance & Historical Provenance
Originating from Central Europe, the star-form seven-wick brass oil lamp (Judenstern) represents a historic intersection of sacred domestic ritual and early lighting engineering. Featuring a baluster stem, hanging suspension chain, and integrated drip pan, this piece offers versatile dual functionality as both a hanging pendant and a tabletop vessel. Cataloged by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates as "Possibly 17th or 18th Century," it originates from the collection of noted lighting scholar Rhoda Ziegler.

Curator's Note
With its sculptural star reservoir, hand-coiled suspension chain, and rich metallic patina, this 17th/18th-century brass piece brings authentic historical narrative and warmth to high-end interiors. It serves as a striking focal point displayed atop an antique sideboard, styled in a library niche, or suspended above a rustic kitchen island.

Detailed Description
Item Description An authentic antique 18th-century (possibly late 17th-century) Continental European cast brass seven-wick oil and grease pan lamp, featuring classic dual-display functionality. The top oil reservoir is styled in the classic seven-pointed star form with extended wick spouts radiating from a baluster-turned central column. The column sets into a wide circular drip saucer with a weighted foot, allowing the vessel to function seamlessly freestanding on a sideboard, desk, or table, or suspended as a pendant via its original hand-coiled brass suspension chain and twisted hook.

Historically cataloged as a Judenstern (Shabbat lamp) across German, Dutch, and Central European Jewish households, as well as a multi-wick grease/fat lamp in early domestic European lighting, this piece retains its original, untouched historical patina, mellow brass oxidation, and soft surface wear.

Origin
Continental Europe (Germany / Netherlands / Central Europe)

Age
18th Century, Possibly 17th Century (c. 1680 – 1800)

Material Cast Brass, Lead/Iron weighted core

Dimensions & Weight
Height (Lamp Only): Approx. 7 in (17.8 cm)
Wick Spout Span (Top): Approx. 5.5 in (14.0 cm)
Drip Pan Diameter: Approx. 6.0 in (15.2 cm)
Base Foot Diameter: Approx. 5.25 in (13.3 cm)
Total Weight: 2 lbs 4.9 oz (1,046 g)

Provenance
Ex-Collection of Rhoda Ziegler, Wellesley, MA (prominent collector of early American/European lighting and antique metalware).

Acquired from: Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates Auction House, Summer Americana Auction, cataloged as "Possibly 17th or 18th C - Collection of Rhoda Ziegler".

Literature & Reference
Book Title: Early Lighting: A Pictorial Guide

Author / Publisher: The Rushlight Club

Page & Figure: Page 39, Figure 4-14

(Illustrating related Continental multi-wick brass fat/grease pan and Shabbat lamps).

Authenticity Assessment
This lamp exhibits textbook manufacturing markers of authentic 17th to 18th-century European brass founding. The star-shaped wick reservoir was sand-cast, showing minor casting pits and rough texture on the underside of the spouts. The central column was turned on a continuous lathe, evidenced by subtle concentric striations along the baluster nodes and foot ring. The heavy saucer base is weighted at the core with dark, oxidized metal ballast—a period technique used to lower the center of gravity for stable tabletop use. The chain links are hand-coiled with authentic hand-hammered joinery rather than modern uniform machine-stamped wire. There are no modern machine threads, Phillips screws, or modern bright brass plating present.

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