18th-Century Scottish Antique Double-Valve "Ramshead" Wrought Iron Cruisie Lamp

An evocative example of vernacular Scottish lighting, this 18th-century wrought iron cruisie lamp features a double-valve design with a stylised "ramshead" motif. These lamps were traditionally used in rural cottages and workshops, suspended from beams or walls by way of the halberd hook at the top to provide steady illumination from fish oil or animal fat.

The double-valve construction allowed one pan to catch drips from the other, extending burn time and reducing mess — a practical innovation in pre-industrial lighting. The ramshead terminals, often symbolic of strength and protection, add a sculptural flourish to this utilitarian form.

Hand-forged and richly patinated, this lamp speaks to the resourcefulness of Scottish domestic life in the 1700s. Its form and function reflect centuries of regional craftsmanship, where necessity met artistry in iron.

Provenance: Scotland, 18th century. Ex-Padley Hall, Yorkshire. Cruisie lamps were widely used across Scotland and northern England from the medieval period through the 19th century. Their simple yet effective design made them a staple in homes, farms, and workshops. The ramshead motif, often found in Scottish ironwork, may have carried folkloric or symbolic meaning, lending character to otherwise utilitarian objects.

Material: Wrought iron, hand-forged.

Design Features: Double-valve drip pan construction, with decorative "Ramshead" terminals and a "halberd" hanging hook for suspension.

Condition: Surface wear and oxidation consistent with age; structurally sound

Dimensions: Drop 27 cm (10 5/8")

This is not just a lamp — a forged fragment of Scottish domestic history. Let it cast its quiet glow across your collection, where craftsmanship and folklore meet in iron.