Decor

Antique oil lamp manufactured by the Viennese company R. Ditmar Wien, between 1890 and 1900.

This oil lamp, featuring a reservoir made of orange glass, which is extremely rare for this type of kerosene lamps, is not only beautiful for decoration but remains functional, making it a wonderful light source in our homes, especially during moments when we seek to create an intimate and festive atmosphere. Karl Rudolf Ditmar, the founder of the Ditmar company, was born on May 3, 1818, in Prenzlau – Brandenburg. He arrived in Vienna in 1839. During a business trip to Paris, he is said to have encountered the still controversial, difficult-to-use moderator lamp. Improving these lamps soon became his main concern. On August 5, 1840, Ditmar established a trading company dealing with oil lamps, cups, and lacquered tin. The next step was the establishment of a workshop for lamp repairs and then an attempt at manufacturing their own lamps. Rudolf, together with his brother Friedrich, whom he invited to Vienna, led the company as "Gebrüder Ditmar" in 1841. This was followed by the issuance of a "state permit for the production of lacquered tin and zinc composite goods", which created the legal basis for the first lamp factory in Vienna and Austria. At that time, the brothers succeeded in developing the "Viennese moderator lamp", a spring-loaded lamp that, due to its adjustable oil supply, was both inexpensive and reliable. After the death of his brother Friedrich in 1858, "Gebrüder" was removed from the company name, and it became "Lampen Fabrik R.Ditmar". Ditmar became synonymous with oil lamps, and production and its products began to spread worldwide. Even after his death in 1895, the company retained his name and tradition. More about the Ditmar company can be read in our blog post: [link to blog post] Kerosene lamps have been of great significance in human lives since their invention. They were not only used for lighting homes but were often utilized in religious ceremonies, carrying significant symbolic value to this day. For example, in Judaism, a burning oil lamp symbolizes lighting the path for the righteous and wise, as well as all positive values. In Christianity, it symbolizes eternal life and God Himself. Dimensions: 50 x 14.5 cm Weight: 1.3 kg The kerosene lamp is excellently preserved.