Bidspirit auction | 19th Century Wrought Iron Betty

19th Century Wrought Iron Betty Lamp - A 19th-century hand-forged wrought iron Betty lamp, a traditional lighting device used for burning oil or fat. The lamp is constructed from heavy wrought iron and features a shallow, pear-shaped font with a protruding channel designed to hold a wick. A vertical back support is riveted to the base of the font, extending upward to a horizontal arm with a circular terminal. The piece is fitted with a swiveling hanging assembly comprised of a hooked rod and a connecting link, which allowed the lamp to be suspended from a beam or wedged into a wall crevice. The ironwork shows clear evidence of blacksmith construction, including visible hammer marks and a hand-set rivet at the base of the upright support. No maker marks, signatures, or hallmarks are present on any visible surface of the metal. Height: Approximately 6 to 7 inches.