Because of it's large size, this is a very rare early 19th century triple gimbal whaling ship oil lamp in amazingly good condition for it's age and can still be used today. These lamps were made for safety against fire but gave a lot of light hanging aloft and were the main source of lighting on those sailing ships.

　　Extra large, 10 inch iron ribbed hinged cage kept the sail cloth from getting near the flame. The ribs were riveted top and bottom. The cage surrounds a triple gimbal balancing mechanism of spheres and pivots, so no matter what angle the ball was tipped, the oil would not spill out of the suspended reservoir in the center during high winds or waves of the seas. All the pivots move easily. The oil reservoir has two twin wicks but I don't have the wicks for this lamp.

　　The cage is hinged for filling the oil well and lighting the lamp. It has a simple one pin closure. A fine and rare piece for collectors of marine antiques and early lighting. $450