Victorian oil lamps light up saleroom

A large range of Victorian oil lamps from an extensive collection were the pick of the bunch from an antiques auction in Birmingham. 

The 66 oil lamps, with a total low estimate of £3,100, sold for a total hammer price of £9,090 as customers flocked to register their interest in the auction. 

A collector had amassed the lamps which had been kept in a shed for years, and each had exquisite designs which prompted various customers to view them ahead of the auction. 

Auction house Fellows thoroughly cleaned each individual lamp before offering them for sale.

They sold in the Antiques & Collectables auction – a timed, online-only event which took place at Fellows Auctioneers recently. 

Lamps featuring popular designs such as cranberry glass trailed snake decorations and blue trailed glass decorations were included amongst the collection as well as further multi-coloured lamps. 

Many lamps sold for at least £100 over their high estimate and despite a lot of them containing heavy wear – including minor chips and losses – customers over the internet flocked to purchase their desired Victorian oil lamp. 

There were around 20 separate bidders on the lamps via the Fellows online platform, with more bidding via The Saleroom. One customer placed thousands of pounds worth of bids on the lamps and one lamp received a whopping 42 bids. 

Most houses at the beginning of the Victorian period were lit by oil lamps or candles, including chandeliers and sconces. In the present day, they are a fine, unique addition to households who wish to display that vintage style. 

Kevin Jackson, Auctioneer & Senior Specialist at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “One of the largest collections of oil lamps to ever sell at Fellows went under the hammer this week. It was fantastic to see so much interest on the historic lamps, which all sported intriguing designs. 

“The Antiques & Collectables sale saw a range of paintings, furniture, lamps and more go under the hammer and it is great that there remains a fierce appetite for these at auction.”