Description
An antique pair of pewter gimbal lights with brass accents. This unique pair of lights began life as a oil lamps (likely for a ship/ boat) in the second half of the 19th century, and were electrified in the first half of the 20th century for use as lamps.
The lights can be used as table lamps or as wall lights due to their gimbal structure. The lights can rest on their base on a table or can be hung from the wall utilizing the hook on each light with the felt base against the wall.
Knobs on either side of the light are adjustable and allow for use in either format. They must be adjusted in order to use as a wall sconce.
Definition of Gimbal: A gimbal is a pivoted support that permits rotation of an object about an axis.
Gimbal lights feature a weighted portion of the light that allow the light to be hung from a wall and the light to not waver. Gimbal lights were a necessity on ships to prevent oil lamps from tipping over or going out.
Each lamp has been professionally rewired featuring a chocolate brown fabric cord with new plug. New felt is also in place. Original paper labels were removed from crumbling felt and placed on the new felt bottoms.
NOTE ON FINISH COLOR: lights are lighter in finish then they photograph. The finish photographs darker than it is in real life. Additional photos and video can be provided upon request.
Exact date of production unknown. 1860s to 1880s. Electrified Circa 1930.
Overall good condition with signs of wear, age, and use.
Markings:
- No visible markings
Condition Report -
- Original antique condition with wear appropriate for age
- Metal has been cleaned, but dark, unpolished patina has been preserved
- Signs of wear/ age include surface wear such as nicks/ scratches to surface (please see photos for detail shots)
- Light verdigris on base area of one light (please see photos for detail shots)
- Professionally rewired featuring a new, fabric cord with new plug
- New felt base on each bottom with original, paper labels affixed to new felt
- Note on Finish Color: lights are lighter in finish then they photograph. The finish photographs darker than it is in real life. Additional photos and video can be provided upon request.
- Overall very good, antique condition lighting 130+ years old!
Measurements:
- Height: approx. 10 1/2" inches tall
- Base Diameter: between 5" - 5 1/4" wide
- Cord Length: 84"/ 7 ft. long
Shipping:
- Item will ship via UPS within 1-3 business days
- In an effort to recycle and reduce waste, I often ship with recycled shipping materials -- you can reuse yourself after opening your package!
Questions:
- Have questions? If you'd like additional photos, information, or have questions of any kind, feel free to message me. I'll be happy to answer!
Condition:
Alterations: Restored
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: - Original antique condition with wear appropriate for age
- Metal has been cleaned, but dark, unpolished patina has been preserved
- Signs of wear/ age include surface wear such as nicks/ scratches to surface (please see photos for detail shots)
- Light verdigris on base area of one light (please see photos for detail shots)
- Professionally rewired featuring a new, fabric cord with new plug
- New felt base on each bottom with original, paper labels affixed to new felt
- Note on Finish Color: lights are lighter in finish then they photograph. The finish photographs darker than it is in real life. Additional photos and video can be provided upon request.
- Overall very good, antique condition lighting 130+ years old!
Materials & Techniques:
Lights, Pewter
Details:
Lamp Shade: Not Included
Is this piece in working condition? Yes, I have had a professional electrician rewire this piece
Voltage: Up to 120V (US Standard)
Plug Type: Type A
Country of Origin: Unknown
Power Sources: Corded
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
The lights can be used as table lamps or as wall lights due to their gimbal structure. The lights can rest on their base on a table or can be hung from the wall utilizing the hook on each light with the felt base against the wall.
Knobs on either side of the light are adjustable and allow for use in either format. They must be adjusted in order to use as a wall sconce.
Definition of Gimbal: A gimbal is a pivoted support that permits rotation of an object about an axis.
Gimbal lights feature a weighted portion of the light that allow the light to be hung from a wall and the light to not waver. Gimbal lights were a necessity on ships to prevent oil lamps from tipping over or going out.
Each lamp has been professionally rewired featuring a chocolate brown fabric cord with new plug. New felt is also in place. Original paper labels were removed from crumbling felt and placed on the new felt bottoms.
NOTE ON FINISH COLOR: lights are lighter in finish then they photograph. The finish photographs darker than it is in real life. Additional photos and video can be provided upon request.
Exact date of production unknown. 1860s to 1880s. Electrified Circa 1930.
Overall good condition with signs of wear, age, and use.
Markings:
- No visible markings
Condition Report -
- Original antique condition with wear appropriate for age
- Metal has been cleaned, but dark, unpolished patina has been preserved
- Signs of wear/ age include surface wear such as nicks/ scratches to surface (please see photos for detail shots)
- Light verdigris on base area of one light (please see photos for detail shots)
- Professionally rewired featuring a new, fabric cord with new plug
- New felt base on each bottom with original, paper labels affixed to new felt
- Note on Finish Color: lights are lighter in finish then they photograph. The finish photographs darker than it is in real life. Additional photos and video can be provided upon request.
- Overall very good, antique condition lighting 130+ years old!
Measurements:
- Height: approx. 10 1/2" inches tall
- Base Diameter: between 5" - 5 1/4" wide
- Cord Length: 84"/ 7 ft. long
Shipping:
- Item will ship via UPS within 1-3 business days
- In an effort to recycle and reduce waste, I often ship with recycled shipping materials -- you can reuse yourself after opening your package!
Questions:
- Have questions? If you'd like additional photos, information, or have questions of any kind, feel free to message me. I'll be happy to answer!
Condition:
Alterations: Restored
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: - Original antique condition with wear appropriate for age
- Metal has been cleaned, but dark, unpolished patina has been preserved
- Signs of wear/ age include surface wear such as nicks/ scratches to surface (please see photos for detail shots)
- Light verdigris on base area of one light (please see photos for detail shots)
- Professionally rewired featuring a new, fabric cord with new plug
- New felt base on each bottom with original, paper labels affixed to new felt
- Note on Finish Color: lights are lighter in finish then they photograph. The finish photographs darker than it is in real life. Additional photos and video can be provided upon request.
- Overall very good, antique condition lighting 130+ years old!
Materials & Techniques:
Lights, Pewter
Details:
Lamp Shade: Not Included
Is this piece in working condition? Yes, I have had a professional electrician rewire this piece
Voltage: Up to 120V (US Standard)
Plug Type: Type A
Country of Origin: Unknown
Power Sources: Corded
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Condition
Restored; Some Imperfections; - Original antique condition with wear appropriate for age
- Metal has been cleaned, but dark, unpolished patina has been preserved
- Signs of wear/ age include surface wear such as nicks/ scratches to surface (please see photos for detail shots)
- Light verdigris on base area of one light (please see photos for detail shots)
- Professionally rewired featuring a new, fabric cord with new plug
- New felt base on each bottom with original, paper labels affixed to new felt
- Note on Finish Color: lights are lighter in finish then they photograph. The finish photographs darker than it is in real life. Additional photos and video can be provided upon request.
- Overall very good, antique condition lighting 130+ years old!
- Metal has been cleaned, but dark, unpolished patina has been preserved
- Signs of wear/ age include surface wear such as nicks/ scratches to surface (please see photos for detail shots)
- Light verdigris on base area of one light (please see photos for detail shots)
- Professionally rewired featuring a new, fabric cord with new plug
- New felt base on each bottom with original, paper labels affixed to new felt
- Note on Finish Color: lights are lighter in finish then they photograph. The finish photographs darker than it is in real life. Additional photos and video can be provided upon request.
- Overall very good, antique condition lighting 130+ years old!
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
10.5 x 5 x 5 in
Antique 1860s to 1880s Pewter Gimbal Wall or Table Lights Nautical Ship Lights Wall Sconces - a Pair
Estimate $1,200-$2,700
Starting Price
$600
1 bidder is watching this item
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Autumn Accents
Sep 3, 2026, 4:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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