Archive Ref: GNMC-ART-042
Century-Old Screw-Mechanism Brass Kerosene Pedestal Lamp (Dibi)
Rare early 20th-century traditional brass kerosene pedestal lamp with precision screw-top nozzle and loop handle (H 5 in / 12.7 cm)
Century-old authentic traditional screw-mechanism brass kerosene oil lamp, known locally in Odisha as 'Dibi' (or Dibia / Dibiri), crafted circa early 20th century during the British colonial era. A very uncommon and extinct mechanical innovation in regional folk lighting, featuring a precision threaded brass top wick-nozzle with flared drip collar that screws securely into the fuel font reservoir for easy refueling and leak-free usage. Modeled with a balanced oblate spheroid reservoir body encircled by concentric lathe-turned ridge moldings, supported upon an elegant splayed pedestal disc base for stable placement on village household alcoves or wooden study desks. Equipped with an integrated curved loop finger handle connecting the burner neck to the reservoir shoulder for portable carrying. Preserved in remarkable antique condition with natural aged bronze-olive surface patination, functional screw threads, and original wick aperture.
Period
Early 20th Century (~100-120 years)
Dimensions
H: 5" / 12.7 cm
Provenance
Odisha traditional domestic lighting & folk mechanical metalcraft
Curator's Condition Assessment
Exceptional century-old preservation. Precision threaded screw-top burner nozzle intact and smoothly threading. Solid cast splayed base, reservoir body, and finger handle structurally sound. Rich authentic aged brass patina.
