Oil lamp by Lempereur & Bernard, Belgium, second half of 19th century-early 20th century.
Oil lamp, made in Belgium by the Lempereur & Bernard company. On the kerosene tank, the maker's signature (sun with rays surrounded by the inscription "Marque déposée (proprietary brand) / L & B"). The manufacturer's name is also on the flame control knob ("BREVETES (patented) / L & B") and on the top of the lamp (LEMPEREUR & BERNARD / BREVETES (patented)). Good condition. The glass shade is missing. Light traces of use and dings. One of the decorative elements supporting the lampshade damaged, one missing.
Belgium, second half of 19th century-early 20th century.
Dimensions:
- height: 31 cm,
- circumference of base: 13 cm.
The Lempereur et Bernard company was founded in 1867 by Joseph Lempereur and his brother-in-law Lambert Bernard in Herstal near Liège, Belgium. They started the business by producing an improved version of the Mueseler-type mining lamp. In 1883, the company patented a new type of kerosene lamp, known since then as the "Belgian lamp." The product turned out to be a huge success - among other things, the company had a representative office in Paris, and foreign companies began to buy from Lempereur et Bernard the rights to use the patent (in 1886 the patent was purchased by the German company A. Riegermann, and in 1891 the patent was also purchased by the British company Midland Lighting Co. Ltd.). The lamps were produced until the beginning of World War I. A piece of the Lempereur et Bernard lamp is in the Museum of Metallurgy and Industry in Liège.
