Crusie

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A crusie is a form of oil lamp, often attributed to Scotland but probably of wider provenance. This iron example is from Burnhead at Dufftown in Banffshire.

The crusie has two pans. The upper one is an oil reservoir with a hinged lid across the bowl. The lower one is a drip pan to collect any drops. The height of the upper pan could be adjusted. The stem is bent forward and pierced for the suspension loop.

Crusies were made by local blacksmiths and were durable and long lasting. They were common throughout rural Europe, since they used cheap, easily obtained materials. They burned with a smoky, smelly flame, producing a low level of light.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-147-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MGE 32.2
• Date: 18th - 19th century
  18th - 19th century
  18th or 19th century
  
• Material: Iron
  Iron
  Crusie / lower pan
  Crusie / upper pan
  
• Dimensions: 5.70" L x 3.20" W
  Stem 5.70" H; suspension rod 3.80" L
  
• What: Crusie / lower pan
  Crusie / upper pan
  
• Subject: Lighting - crusies and stands (NMAS Classification)
  Lighting - crusies and stands (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Banffshire, Dufftown, Burnhead
  Scotland, Banffshire, Dufftown, Burnhead
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron crusie with a round lower pan which has a spout and a round bottom, from Burnhead, Dufftown, 18th or 19th century
  Iron crusie with a round lower pan which has a spout and a round bottom, from Burnhead, Dufftown, 18th or 19th century
  
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