Lampes à Essence

The French name is more widely recognized and better reflects the uniqueness of these special oil lamps than any English translation; “Lampes à Essence.” The most iconic example is the Pigeon lamp, invented by Charles Pigeon, who applied for a patent in 1884 for a safe, compact oil lamp.

At that time, household fires were common because traditional oil lamps often tipped over. Pigeon’s innovation was simple yet revolutionary: he added felt inside the oil reservoir, which prevented spills and reduced fire risk. This clever design became an instant success, leading to the production of many different models.

While Pigeon was the pioneer, numerous other manufacturers soon copied his invention, creating a wide variety of Lampes à Essence designs.
On this page, you’ll find a curated collection of these remarkable lamps from different makers—each with its own unique history and charm.