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 Double Crusie

Presented here, an exceptional piece of early lighting.  It is called a "Double Crusie" and while the word "crusie" is not to be found in the Oxford Dictionary; "cruse" is defined as an oil container and the word was so used by the the translators of the St. James version of the Bible according Thwing in Flickering Flames.  He goes on to say that "Crusie", however is an accepted Scotch term and the lamp itself is described by James Barrie in Auld Licht Idylls but with a slightly different spelling." 

"The cruizey was all the light Thrums had in those days although it is only to be seen now in a few old houses in the glens . . . It is shaped like the palm contracted and deepened to hold liquid.  Whale oil was used and the wick was a rush which was sold by herd's boys at a halfpenny the bundle.  This iron (lamp) was placed in another slightly larger one but of the same shape, for in time the oil dripped over the upper lamp.  The whole was then hung by a cleek or hook close to the person using it."

This particular Double Crusie is perhaps the nicest we have ever seen.  It exemplifies the work of the Blacksmith at its finest and best of all, it is complete!  Many times the top pan became separated from the bottom or the hanging hook is missing.  This lamp stands 8" tall and has a very fine surface patina.  Incised lines add further decoration to the Thistles which are found at the top of each of the pans. This certainly was not a production item as most all crusies seen were very utilitarian and very plain.  This lamp is a very special piece and will be the star of any early lighting collection or a wonderful stand alone piece.  If you only had one Double Crusie, you would be hard pressed to find a better one. 

R09B18105

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