25-177. A Pewter Cardan Time-Keeping Oil Lamp

Price: $435

Sold by Phillips and Durkin Antiques

25-177. A Pewter Cardan time-keeping oil lamp. Often attributed to the Italian polymath Gerolamo Cardano (1501–1576), This lamp features a glass oil reservoir fitted with a pewter strip engraved with graduated Roman numerals, designed to track the passage of time as the oil burns. Measuring 13 inches in height and 5.12 inches in width, with a glass font and a traditional "betty lamp" style oil bowl with a wick support, and a formed stem. The stem shows minimal scuffing, otherwise the piece is in very good condition with no visible damage or repairs. Probably Continental and dating to from the mid to late-18th to early 19th century.