(1) Lamps with rounded nozzle or nozzles, flanked on each side by a kind of double volute, as in Fig. [204] and B.M. 167-352. The usual number of nozzles is one, but two are not infrequently found. These belong to the first century B.C., and, being convenient forms for a decorated top, are ornamented with all kinds of subjects[[2768]]; the handle when present is often ornamented as in the cut.
(2) Lamps of the same type as the last, except that the nozzle ends in an obtuse-angled termination, as Fig. [205] and B.M. 94-166. It is a form not adapted for more than one nozzle, and usually has no handle.[[2769]]
FIG. 206. LAMP WITH GROOVED NOZZLE (NORTH ITALY TYPE); FIRST CENTURY AFTER CHRIST.
(3) A small but distinct class, almost devoid of figured decoration (Fig. [206] and B.M. 379-392), but usually with a potter’s name underneath; the form is elegant, and probably copied from bronze.[[2770]] The chief feature is the sunk centre, in which is usually placed a Bacchic or comic mask; round it runs a raised rim, through which a shallow groove passes to the somewhat elongated nozzle. This dates from the first century of the Empire or earlier, some being found with coins of Augustus, others at Pompeii; these lamps are of red clay, unglazed, and have no handle. On the sides are projecting knobs, either concealing the joins of the moulds (see p. [405]), or for the attachment of chains. The names of the makers, Strobilus, Communis, Fortis, etc., are in good raised letters, impressed in the mould (see Fig. [210]). They are found in all parts, but rarely south of Rome; most of them are from Gallia Cispadana,[[2771]] and they may have been made at Mutina.
FIG. 207. LAMP WITH SMALL PLAIN NOZZLE; SECOND CENTURY AFTER CHRIST.
(4) In this class (Fig. [207] and B.M. 393-567) the nozzle is small, and hardly projects beyond the rim of the lamp; it is semicircular or heart-shaped in form, and sometimes has an incised line or circles at the base. Fig. [208] represents a late development with the heart-shaped nozzle, in which the design is always surrounded by a wreath or ornamental pattern. Many of these lamps, especially those found in Greece (see Vol. I. p. [108]), have no handle; there is also a somewhat late variety, described on the same page, which is confined to Greece and marked by potters’ signatures in Greek letters (B.M. 604-629). These lamps date from the time of Trajan onwards; the signatures are usually abbreviated, and are stamped hollow, or sometimes scratched in the wet clay; raised letters are rare. The subjects are very varied.
FIG. 208. THIRD-CENTURY TYPE OF LAMP.