Trying to date an old oil lamp or identify the maker of a glass shade from the late 1800s can be frustrating without a reference that links objects to history. That's exactly the job of Stan Hamper's *Lighting Devices and accessories of the 17th-19th Centuries*. Priced at USD 7.96, the illustrated volume covers both the objects and the technology, making it an affordable starting point for collectors who want context rather than just photographs.
Quick verdict
If you collect antique lamps, glass, or early electrical devices, this book belongs on your short list. The reference spans the 17th through 19th centuries, with topics that include glass and glassware, antiques and collectibles, and the electrical and engineering background of lighting. The price is modest for a specialized reference, though the condition notes are worth reading before you buy: the item is described as in good condition, and textbooks may not include supplemental items such as CDs or access codes.
Who it suits
This is a useful reference for collectors of antique glass, early lighting devices, and industrial history. Because it touches on general, electrical, and technology topics, it also suits students or enthusiasts who want to understand how lighting evolved as both an object and an engineering accomplishment. If you deal in antiques or restore vintage lighting, the combination of glassware identification and historical context makes it a practical desk reference.
What stands out from the listed details
Lighting Devices and accessories of the 17th-19th Centuries, History, Ill - GOOD
Published by Collector Books and written by Stan Hamper, this copy carries ISBN 9781574322682. The title emphasizes that it's an illustrated history, so expect visual reference material rather than a pure text treatment. The subject coverage pairs glass and glassware with electrical and technology history-a combination helpful when you're looking at a lighting piece and need to answer two questions at once: what is it made of, and what era does it represent?
At USD 7.96, the price is aligned with a basic reference copy. The good condition and the possibility that supplemental materials are absent are the main caveats, but for a collector's reference, the core content should be the deciding factor.
Meaningful trade-offs
The main trade-off is condition versus value. You're getting a good-condition copy at a modest price, not a pristine collectible item. If you're buying this as part of a serious library and want flawless covers, this may not satisfy you. Also, the description notes that textbooks may not include extra items like CDs or access codes, so count on the book itself rather than any bundled supplements.
Another trade-off is scope. The time period is specific-17th through 19th centuries-so if your collection centers on 20th-century lighting, this reference will have less direct overlap. For those working with the covered era, the breadth across glass, antiques, and electrical history is a strong point.
Bottom line
For anyone building an antiquarian collectible books library around lighting, *Lighting Devices and accessories of the 17th-19th Centuries* at USD 7.96 is a practical, low-cost addition. It combines illustrated history with technical context, giving you a reference that supports both identification and appreciation. The good-condition copy may lack supplemental materials, but the core value is in the pages themselves.
