Streetlamp

Object Name:

Streetlamp

Object ID:

2012.038

Place of Origin:

United States

Date:

circa 1860

Description:

Gas street lamp from Concord, NH, c. 1860.
A. Tapered rectangular sheet iron and copper body with black coating. Four trapezoidal glass panels in top section, and four in bottom section. Four horizontal rectangular glass panels in center section. Four ball finials on top corners. Circular pressed tin vent finial. One bottom panel is hinged, with wire clasp. Black painted electrical box with white porcelain socket, where gas burner once was. Two ball feet (there were originally four).
B. Separate iron support frame consisting of four rods, each 0.45" diam., attached to square top frame and bolted to cylindrical cast iron base. Cylinder is 3"h x 3.6" diam. and has hexagonal opening to fit on a lamp post. Two horizontal round cast iron arms. Black coating.
C. Removable chimney assembly. Black-coated square copper base; fits over electrical box. Glass chimney with bulbous body tapering to cylindrical top and bottom.

Material:

Metal
Copper
Iron
Glass

Dimensions:

H-45 W-16 D-16 inches

Provenance:

The Concord Gas Light Company was formed in 1850 according to an act of the New Hampshire state legislature and operation commenced in 1852. In 1857 under an amendment of the city charter, a "Gas Precinct" was created in part of the city and 21 gas lights were erected in strategic locations around the city shortly thereafter. During the late 19th century the company steadily expanded lighting streets with gas lights and supplying homes and businesses. The lamp was collected by William A. Horner of Concord, the donor's father. Although it is unclear where the lamp came from in Concord, before his death Horner said that it was important that it be returned to Concord.

Credit Line:

Gift of Janet Horner Cameron

Subjects:

Street lamps, Streetlights, Gas light fixtures, Gas street lamps, Gas works, Gaslight fixtures