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 an ornate cast iron base with a clear glass resevoir for the lamp oil. Finished with an opaque glass shade.
 
This particular lamp would have been found in a relatively wealthy household.
 
Dimensions: 61cm high x 15cm square base