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Antique C.W. Cahoon TOM THUMB DIRIGO Kerosene Finger Lamp 1861 Burner Glass.
The brass wick-adjusting thumbwheel is clearly marked:
TOM THUMB / DIRIGO
This style of C. W. Cahoon burner is associated with patents dated February 19 and December 3, 1861, and documented examples are generally dated to the third quarter of the 19th century.
The lamp features a heavy clear patterned pressed-glass font with an applied clear glass finger handle. It retains its ornate brass burner assembly, wick mechanism, hinged chimney holder, and tall clear glass chimney.
Approximately 10 inches tall overall with chimney, as shown in the photographs.
Condition: Antique used condition with expected age-related wear. Brass burner has darkened patina, oxidation/verdigris, and surface wear consistent with age. Wick remains present. Clear glass font appears very good in the photographs with normal manufacturing irregularities and surface wear. Chimney has age-related wear and soiling. Please examine all photographs closely because they are part of the condition description.
I have not polished or restored the burner and would leave the original patina intact.
Item specifics:
- Type: Kerosene / Oil Lamp
- Style: Finger Lamp
- Maker/Burner: C. W. Cahoon
- Burner: Tom Thumb / Dirigo No. 0
- Material: Pressed Glass / Brass
- Color: Clear
- Era: 19th Century
- Approximate date: Third quarter 1800s
- Fuel: Kerosene
- Features: Applied glass handle, marked burner, hinged chimney holder
From the Vincent Ledew Collection, Hallowell Maine Historian,with over 100 lighting devices Dating back to 400. He began collecting in the 1950s andcontinued expanding the collection until his death in 1970. His collection of antique lighting wasreputed to be among the finest private collections in New England.
