Miniature antique pewter spout lamp? Missing parts

Another item from the "don't know if it's worth listing, but let me double check" pile. Stands about 3 3/4" high. No marks found. The front perhaps has a coat of arms, but it is too worn to see any of it. Missing a top, and is there anything else missing? The little sticker was on the base. Any thoughts are appreciated, and thanks for your time.

 

That one is too odd not to try and find out what it is. I've not seen anything like it.

 

Thanks so much af. It is odd, isn't it. Maybe I should see if I can rub something on the coat of arms, or whatever that is, to try and make something of it. I'll see what I can do.
Thanks again.

 

I tried a few more pics. Some with white chalk, and some without. Thanks again for any and all help.
Am I seeing some kind of beast with wings?

 

That's one malnourished chicken

 

It looks like one of the many German/Bavarian eagles - like this one, only without the crown . . .

 

I see a double headed eagle. Single heads are usually central, double heads off center either side but one head appears partly erased.

 

I beg to differ about the number of heads, but at least we are on the same page.

 

I don't know if it is where the form originated but late 19th-20th century versions were sold as cigar lamps. I think if you search that term you will find similar examples.

 

Cool item... I don't remember seeing one before, either.

It looks to me like one head turned sideways, with an eye in the middle.

 

Wow, you all are so wonderful! Thanks Pat, Brad, Don, Messi, Terry & Af. I did find some similar under cigar lamps, and whale oil lamps. Lots of info from you all to help me further. With that mark (or what do you call that?), would that mean it was German or Bavarian in origin?
Thanks all

 

I see a lion's head and wings? I like it what ever it is

 

Thanks Shiloh

 

I agree with Don? as to being called a "Spout" lamp; however, some refer to it as a form of a "snotnose" or snotneus lamp. Snotnose lamps burned "colza or similar oil - fish/whale oil stank too much and so they used vegetable oil." The snotnose lamps were used for centuries on the continent and in England. I believe they originated with the Dutch? They can be seen in brass, pewter and tin. Here are examples.

The following query on the LampGuild forum identified this lamp as a snotnose/snotneus. Do read the replies posted by a John England that start at the 3rd reply on down.
http://lampguild.org/QandApage/archives/Q0000954.php

Here is what I call a spout lamp - like yours:
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/7102051
17th down on the right:
http://www.hapmoore.com/05.31.08/lighting.html

I usually think of the following as snotnose lamps rather than yours:
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/copper-whale-oil-lamp-from-holland-called-a
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Brass-Spout-Snotneus-Oil-Lamp-18th-19th-Century-/251263351057

As to if the mark, shield, has a single headed eagle or a double headed eagle, I can't tell. Anyways it is no doubt from Germany, Austria or that part of the world. With it missing the lid and possibly a lip around the end of the spout, I expect its worth minimal at best.

--- Susan

 

I have never seen such a lamp in England, and I have seen an awful lot of stuff over the years.

 

Susan thank you so very much. That is a great help, and I really appreciate it.

 

Af, I take that as a compliment coming from you! I know you've seen a lot of interesting things, and have so much knowledge.
I just wish this one wasn't missing its parts.