L.128

An earlier Moderator oil lamp from France, probably made around 1850-1855 and later converted to a kerosene/paraffin lamp. Lamp body made of sculptured brass sheet. The original Moderator technique has been removed. This lamp is illustrated in Wild & Wessel's 1894 jubilee catalogue with a different base part, as one of the pre-1855 oil lamps in their collection.

The lamp was in pitiful condition when it was bid: it was completely tarnished black and encrusted with solid dirt, so that only with difficulty could the brass underneath be glimpsed. I had to work on cleaning and polishing it for several days before the result satisfied me. I painted the rather smooth background of the figures black-brown, as it was unsightly inhomogeneous after cleaning. On the galvanised iron sheet under the foot is handwritten signed: Naumont. Presumably the name of a former owner.

The lamp consists of four parts that are soldered together. The ornamentation is made of very sculptured brass sheet. Four allegorical figures are depicted (probably arts and crafts, Cupid, literature, music), which are separated from each other with frame ornaments matching the content. The foot part has four identical putti with rose garlands. The execution of the sculpture is very detailed and fine.

I replaced the included Sonnenbrenner of Ditmar, because I needed this burner for a Ditmar lamp. Here I mounted an also high quality 16’’’ Odin burner from Carl Holy, with the corresponding shoulder chimney.

The finely etched tulip shade by St. Louis (signed) was a lucky find on eBay France.

Lamp Data

Added by me:
Burner, glass chimney, tulip shade and globe holder.

Cleaning and repairs:
Lamp completely cleaned; background painted black-brown; loose parts soldered together; carefully polished.

Lamp body:
Base and vase of very sculptured brass sheet, in the lower part with 4 identical cherubs and garlands, on the vase with 4 allegorical figures and matching ornamentation, Ø base 152 mm, vase 124 mm. Base closed at the bottom with an iron plate.
Font of sheet iron, probably galvanised, rusted in the upper part, hidden in the vase, not removable.

Burner:
16’’’ Odin burner of Carl Holy, Berlin.
Wick knob marked: D. R. Patent (logo of Carl Holy). Black glass inlay.
Original flame disc with small disc on pin.
Flat wick 87 mm.

Glass chimney:
15’’’ shoulder chimney. Height 286 mm, Ø fitter 51 mm.
Marked: C. R. & Co. + anchor (logo of Carl Rakenius).

Shade and shade holder:
Tulip shade by St. Louis (signed), frosted glass, greenish yellow on top, colourless on bottom, cameo-etched floral motifs, top rim fluted.
Height 145 mm, Ø fitter 67 and top rim 188 mm.
70 mm globe holder for 14’’’/15’’’ burners.

Lamp dimensions:
Height up to collar 22.8 cm, total height with chimney 55.7 cm.
Total weight 1440 g.