The round base serves as the reservoir that held whale oil, lard, or mineral oil.
The triangular nose extending out of the side holds the fabric wick.
The top features a dome-shaped swivel lid with a tiny pointed finial pin. The lid keeps dust out and protects the fuel.
The curved metal handle rising from the back is designed to fit a long metal hook or chain. This allowed people to hang the lamp from a wall spike, a wooden beam, or the back of a chair to bring light wherever it was needed.
These rustic lighting tools were widely used in European and early American households during the 18th and 19th centuries before modern kerosene lamps and electricity took over.