DescriptionBlack iron Betty Lamp from Williamsburg Room, Millburn Library. Provenance unknown (possibly M/M Harvey Kahn). The Betty lamp is a portable light source that was used in homes and workshops during the 18th century. The origin of the name is believed to come from the German word "besser," meaning better. Betty Lamps were usually is made of brass or iron. The bottom layer is a pan that shapes to a point forming the spout. A top pan holds the wick, usually a twisted piece of fabric placed in the spout to soak up some fuel (grease, scraps of fat, fish, or whale oil). The wick is lit to produce a flame. This Betty Lamp also has a hook so it can be hung on a wall.