Made for the British East India Company and Dutch East India Company, circa 1750 to 1900, these lamps were the main form of lighting used in the colonies. They were designed to burn whale oil or candles.

Each lamp was hand made from lead crystal insuring it would be strong enough to contain the heat from the flame. The lid kept the smoke from the ceiling. When electrified the heat from 60-watt electric candles will not make them crack.

The lamps were made in Austria, Belgium and England. The main manufacturer in England, S.C. Bishop & Co., made the lamps until they were replaced by electricity.

The Belgium lamps were made by the famous crystal company Val Saint Lambert and, as with S.C. Bishop and Company, carried a distinct hallmark: Best Crystal Glass, Val Saint Lambert. The Austrian lamps were usually marked Austria or Made in Austria after 1880. Not all lamps were hallmarked and their insignia have been placed in different areas according to the person who blew the lamp and choose the area to place it.

The lamps are sized according to the circumference of the bowl. The usual sizes are 8", 9", 10-11", and 12". Occasionally we have had larger and smaller lamps, but that is rare. A 12" lamp when electrified is 24" from top to bottom.

Over the years we have found the most unique and beautiful lamps and, although many were made, one can tell that they were created by true Artisans who were really good glass blowers. The Hundi Lamps come clear or etched with either wheel cut designs or acid etching.

Many feature traditional Victorian style etched patterns and many were custom designed for a particular residence or palace. In India the Maha Rajahas loved their beauty and timeless style. They graced the stately homes of the colonial era but are even more popular today. Unfortunately the art of making the lamps has been lost.

We have sold these lamps for over 20 years since we started buying the lamps in Sydney, Australia back in the early 1980’s. That was before they really became fashionable again and before the restoration of terrace houses really got into full swing. Now anyone who is fortunate enough to have one will not let it go.

We collect them from all over the world. Many come from India where the British lived and traded for 500 years and where many of the most beautiful British, Dutch and Portugese colonial antiques are still to be found.