Manhattan Brass Lamp

Q: I bought this chandelier at an estate auction. I don’t know why, because it’s not in real great shape. It looks like it hung from the ceiling and the 10 burner kerosene lamps were lowered to the floor by a cable so that the lamps could be lit. Then it was raised up below a large circle of reflecting mirrors to enhance the light. The only marking I can see on it is on the wick-adjusting knobs. They’re marked “The Grand Burner, M.B. Co. N.Y.” What can you tell me about it?

A: Your lamp was made by the Manhattan Brass Company of New York. The company was in business from 1865 to 1926 and held several patents. Kerosene lamps were popular in the mid 1800s until the early 1900s. Manhattan Brass made different kinds of lamps, including flat wick burners and lamps for bicycles, but it is best known for its student lamps. Manhattan Brass also made lamps for other companies, including Tiffany.