Four Wick Crusie

This four wick iron crusie is another typical design - the four corners have chute-like holders for the wicks and this particular crusie is engraved "MGP" and "1760" on two of the oppsing sides.   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.