Fairy lamps (depending on locale, also called fairy lights) were a small, glass candle lamp that originally gained popularity during the 1880s and ’90’s. The lamps’ original purpose was utilitarian with the typical pieces including the base, a cup for the candle, and the chimney or shade. Their creation began in the 1840s, when a new type of candle was developed. These candles were smaller, fatter, and encased with paper; they were usually set in a saucer of water to burn. They burned longer and carried less risk of fire, a common danger of the Victorian era. Reference: Wikipedia.
Below are some examples and price guides of antique fairy lamps including a Nailsea fairy lamp and a pair of puffy poppy fairy lamps.
Royal Worcester porcelain classical figural base for the Cricklite Fairy Lamp, circa 1885. Hallmarked on bottom. Approx. height 16.25 in. Note: Lacking the five-light brass lamp that surmounts the head.
Sold for US$75 at Gallery 63 in 2023
Nailsea Fairy Lamp
1880-1900. Glass. Red and white dome with matching rounded base with inward crimped rim. Clear interior cup. Includes burglar’s horror candle. Lamp cup marked with “Clarkes Patent Trademark Cricklite” and image of a fairy holding wand. Crack to bottom of lamp cup. Ruf – pg. 171, fig. 600. From the Valerie Lister Collection. 5″H, 6″ bowl diameter.
Sold for CA$400 at Miller & Miller Auctions Ltd. in 2023
Two matched Pairpoint puffy poppy candle fairy lamps complete with original bases. Each measures 8″ tall.
Sold for US$700 at Magnum Auctions in 2023
Pink satin glass fairy lamp decorated with yellow Coraline and set in a ruffled rim base, 5″ ht. CONDITION: Good with no defects found.
Sold for US$250 at Jaremos in 2023
PAIR OF SIGNED 1930’S BRONZE FAIRY LAMPS
SIGNED BRONZE FAIRY LAMPS. SIGNED J. (JEAN) GARNIER. BRONZE NUDE FAIRY ON MARBLE BASE. NO SHADES. GOOD PATINA, GOOD CONDITION. 32″ H.
Sold for US$1,100 at Redlands Antique Auction in 2023