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 Blair Atholl in Perthshire.

The crusie has two pans. The upper one is an oil reservoir with a hinged lid rolled back at the spout. 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 burned animal fat or fish oil and had a rush or rag for a wick. They were popular throughout rural Europe over a long period, and are often difficult to date.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-151-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MGE 47.2
• 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 3.50" W
  Stem 4.80" H; suspension rod 4.10" L
  
• What: Crusie / lower pan
  Crusie / upper pan
  
• Subject: Lighting - crusies and stands (NMAS Classification)
  Lighting - crusies and stands (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Perthshire, Blair Atholl
  Scotland, Perthshire, Blair Atholl
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron crusie with a lower pan which has a long spout and a flat bottom, from Blair Atholl, 18th or 19th century
  Iron crusie with a lower pan which has a long spout and a flat bottom, from Blair Atholl, 18th or 19th century
  
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