Crusie

This Black, boat shaped iron crusie is a typical example of the crusies found in homes of this period.     Crusies were a type of lamp usually made from iron or pottery. They were most commonly boat or square shaped, were open (not lidded) and were attached to a hook and hung either from a wall or a stand. The lamps burned fat or oil and most drippings from cooking could be used - fish oil for example - although the purer the oil, the better. Wicks were placed inside the crusies and the heat from the wick would then start to melt whatever fat or oil was being used, which would in turn be drawn up the wick and burned. Often, crusies had a larger pan hanging directly below in order to catch any dripping, preventing mess and potential fires.