Hi Nadine,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

These lamps were originally made in Persia (modern day Iran) in the 12th Century but yours do not demonstrate the age I would expect to see if they were that old; it's more likely these were made in the 18th or 19th Century, possibly for the export (tourist) market, geared towards Europeans traveling through the Middle East on pilgrimages or Grand Tours. Though there's minor variation in value between the ones with single, double or four-lights, ones of this age, size and form usually sell at auction for between $600 and $900 each, or $2,400-3,600 for the group of four.

Despite your excellent detail photos, I can't see how the two larger birds would have been oil lamps - no easily accessible chamber where an oil reserve would have gone, nor any place where a wick would have burned to provide heat or illumination. It's more likely these were used decoratively. They appear to have the same age as the lamps and are worth $300-400 each, at auction.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A group of four antique Khurasan or Seljuk bronze oil lamps
Persia, probably 18th or 19th Century
All with loop handles surmounted by birds, one with four spouts, one with two spouts and two with single spouts
Each about 6 inches
CONDITION: with some wear and encrustation commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Unknown
$ 2,400-3,600 for the group*

together with

A pair of antique Khurasan or Seljuk bronze birds
Persia, probably 18th or 19th Century
With heads with combs, long necks, pierced bodies, large wings and pointed fan-form tails, unmarked.
8 inches long
CONDITION: with some wear and encrustation commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Unknown
$300-400 each, or $600-800 for the pair
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia