Wrought iron fat lamp on stand. Lamp is an open, shaped pan supported by a central high stem apparently comprised of two baluster-turned sections joined at the center. Stem fits into a disk-shaped base and is secured by a nut. Edges of base have a pie-crust decoration. Four penny feet under base are actually terminals of an X-shaped armature attached to bottom with the same nut attached to post end. Each of 4 arms is struck with a 6-pointed star; one arm has a diamond-like motif comprised of 4 semicircles. One arm struck "J HERR" and opposite arm has "J H 1825." Paint decoration is of a later period: black overall except underside which is an earlier green paint. Gold highlights on feet, edge of base, parts of center post and underside of lamp pan.
Made by John Herr (1771-1854) of Eden Twp, later Manor Twp., finally Pequea Twp.
Provenance
Ex-Stratford Lee Morton lighting collection, who was an insurance man from Clayton, Missouri and a founding member of the Rushlight Society. After his death the lamp was sold at Garth's auction in Ohio in either Nov. 1979 or March 1980. Then offered for sale in July by dealer Chris Machmer to the Heritage Center. Morton may possibly have acquired the lamp from Hattie Brunner.
John Herr was a blacksmith first in Eden Twp., then Manor Twp. He is listed as a blacksmith in 1808 Manor Twp. tax records. After a 2nd marriage, he moved in the late 1840s to Pequea Twp. just south of New Danville. See Clarke Hess, Mennonite Arts, pp. 84-85.
