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 the island of Skye.

The crusie has two pans. The upper one is an oil reservoir with a long 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 gave rise to various superstitions. It was believed a blue flame meant the following day would be windy, and a green flame indicated the presence of a witch. A spark suggested news was coming to the person in whose direction the spark flew.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-152-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MGE 48.2
• Date: 18th - 19th century
  18th - 19th century
  18th or 19th century
  
• Material: Iron
  Iron
  Crusie / lower pan
  Crusie / upper pan
  
• Dimensions: 5.30" L x 3.30" W
  Stem 7.25" H; suspension rod 5.00" L
  
• What: Crusie / lower pan
  Crusie / upper pan
  
• Subject: Lighting - crusies and stands (NMAS Classification)
  Lighting - crusies and stands (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Inverness-shire, Skye
  Scotland, Inverness-shire, Skye
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron crusie with a lower pan which has a long spout and a flat bottom, from Skye, 18th or 19th century
  Iron crusie with a lower pan which has a long spout and a flat bottom, from Skye, 18th or 19th century
  
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