08/19/2026
FAIRY LAMPS
After being slaves to the grass mowing, the mulching of the flower beds and weeding most of the summer, we decided it was time for a fun excursion into the MAGICAL ATTIC. (Scroll down our posts to find info on the MAGICAL ATTIC) We hadn’t made a visit for quite some time, so we wondered just what new and exciting things might be waiting for us.
As usual, the cavern like chambers, huge rooms and various hallways still astonished us after multiple visits. Where were we going to be drawn to this time? We casually strolled down one hallway past several chambers and rooms. We came to another hallway where we seemed to be enticed in that direction.
In a short time we came upon a doorway emitting bright twinkling lights. It was a beautiful sight. A plethora of tiny lights flashing, twinkling and sparkling all around the room. It was simply gorgeous to behold – rich ambers, cool blues, fiery reds, soft pinks and many others. It took us a few minutes to process just exactly what we were viewing. And then suddenly – we knew. The room was filled with Fairy Lamps of various sizes and colors.
A fairy lamp you say. What is that? Well, in the Victorian era home lighting relied entirely oh open flames. This of course, posed extreme fire risks, especially in hallways, bedrooms and nurseries.
In 1840 a manufacturer introduced a new type of candle – shorter, fatter and encased in paper which burned safely for hours when placed in a saucer of water.
Then, along came Samuel Clarke, an English designer, who patented a 2-piece glass device tailored to hold the new stout candles. It had a base cup to secure the candle and a dome-shaped top. It became a big hit. As a marketing ploy, Clarke called them Fairy Lamps and even embossed a tiny trademark fairy onto the bottom of his early candle cups. Consumers loved them - viola…. The Fairy Lamp.
Meanwhile, back in the room with the twinkling, flashing, sparkling lights. We were immediately drawn to a few of these lamps. Naturally, we figured they would find a good home in our Shoppe – THE SHOPPE OF CURIOUS THINGS. For they are surely very curious things and you will find a selection of them on our shelves. Stop in and see which ones you are drawn to.
FRESH FIND…
VINTAGE FENTON AMBERINA HOBNAIL FAIRY LAMP!
BEAUTIFUL!!!
This is a petite 2- piece vintage Amberina Hobnail fairy Lamp.
An original Fenton sticker is still in the ruffled rim base of the lamp.
This indicates that it was produced by Fenton before 1970.
The Amberina color glows beautifully under UV/black light. (See photo)
It measures approximately 5” tall and the ruffled base is 3.25” wide.
USED: But this lamp is in excellent condition, as if it wasn’t used – no chips, cracks or scratches.
$150.00
THE SHOPPE OF CURIOUS THINGS
Over 2500 vintage collectibles, quizzical oddities and curious artifacts from the early 1900’s to the present. Open April – December: Official hours: Fri & Sat 10-4. Unofficially: If we happen to be there or by (of over 100 items) from our BARGAIN BARN with the purchase of $20.00 or more from the Shoppe.
All items for sale are for local pick-up only. We do not deliver or ship.