During the late 19th and early 20th century houses were lit with candles or oil lamps. The lamps would come in all grades from a cheap utility metal lamp, to elaborate silver or gilt lamp with ornate cut and painted globular shades.
 
This Victorian oil lamp has a blue twisted glass stem and base with a clear glass chimney.  
 
This particular lamp would have been found in a household of moderate means.
 
Dimensions: 50cm high x 12cm base