Swinging Lamp 1858 - 1867

This Swinging Lamp was made of metal, most likely pewter, by Yale and Curtis in the mid-19th century. The lamp's appearance is largely influenced by its material and manufacturing processes. Pewter is an alloy, typically made up of tin, antimony, copper, and sometimes lead. It was commonly used for household objects due to its relatively low cost and ease of casting and working. This lamp would have been made through casting, where molten metal is poured into a mold to create the desired shape. The handle and top portion of the lamp were likely made separately and then attached. The lamp’s simple and functional design reflects its purpose as a utilitarian object. The swinging mechanism allowed the lamp to be easily moved and adjusted, providing light where it was needed. It is a reminder of how craft traditions adapted to meet the needs of everyday life.