Contributed by Museum at Portland Head
Description
Brass oil cans were necessary in every lighthouse in the early days when whale oil and then kerosene were used to light the flame so the light could be seen out to sea. Most brass items were made by the lighthouse service but some were purchased from outside vendors which the lighthouse depot would affix a small tag to designate it as a lighthouse service item. All lighthouse service items were marked or stamped to designate they were for the service and were property of the government. These cans are marked with U.S. Light-House Establishment.
As oil was a precious commodity at the lighthouse, its use was carefully tracked by the station keeper who would then report his usage in reports to the district. Several oil measures were needed to keep track of what was poured into each lamp or can and therefore many different sizes exist.
About This Item
- Title: Brass Oil Measure Cans used in Lighthouses, ca. 1800
- Creator: U.S. Lighthouse Establishment
- Creation Date: circa 1800
- Subject Date: circa 1800
- Location: Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Brass
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Lighthouses--Equipment and supplies
- Portland Head Light (Cape Elizabeth, Me.)--Equipment and supplies
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Museum at Portland Head1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
(207) 799-2661
Website
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