Hi Tracie,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The label in the photo correctly identifies this as a mid 19th Century pressed oil lamp (would have originally been filled with sperm whale oil), possibly made by the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, in Sandwich, MA. While many would have eventually been fitted with electricity, this one remains untouched, in its original condition (though the clear glass hurricane shade may not be original...); it is more valuable because it hasn't been converted for electricity - comparably original ones that have come to auction recently have sold for between $200 and $600, depending on the color, proportions, etc. Yours is worth $300-500.

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

An antique pressed amethyst and milk-glass whale oil lamp
American, possibly Boston & Sandwich Glass Co, mid 19th Century
The body in pressed amethyst glass with lobed collar and faceted body over a brass(?) fitting over a pressed lobed white milk-glass base with reeded foot; surmounted by a baluster-form hurricane shade with frilled lip.
18 inches tall
CONDITION: This oil lamp appears to be all original; hurricane shade possibly a later replacement.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$300-500*
*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