L.202

A period-typical zinc cast lamp by R. Ditmar with many cherubs; made around 1880-1890. This lamp is shown in the 1897 Ditmar catalogue (lamp 6780).

The lamp was subsequently painted with a bronze paint that even looked acceptable. I originally intended to remove this bronze paint and re-bronze the lamp using my method of two-tone contrast, as I had already done with a very similar lamp (L.331).

When I removed the paint from the lamp in sodium hydroxide solution, I was astonished to find that the original bronzing underneath was still almost completely intact! It was only necessary to rub the surface lightly with steel wool and it shone! This was a great and joyful surprise. Of course, I left the lamp as it was in the original colour. Only very small spots on the one handle are rubbed.

A novelty for me is the font lid. It is not cemented as usual with a font collar and glass font, but can simply be unscrewed. The collar, which is firmly attached to the glass, has an external thread, and the zinc cast lid is screwed onto it. The lamp L.060 also has the same set-up (for photos see there).

The lamp is shown in the catalogue with a 15’’’ Sonnenbrenner. Therefore I have replaced the supplied burner with a Sonnenbrenner.

However, instead of a ball shade as in the catalogue picture, I put on a nicely etched tulip shade for gas lamps from the UK, which fits well in colour. However, I had to sand down the inside of the fitter quite a bit and enlarge it to fit the burner.

Lamp Data

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

Cleaning and repairs:
The later bronze colour removed with caustic soda.

Lamp body:
Base, vase and handles as well as the font lid of ornamental zinc casting, electroplated copper (original colour). Marked under the base: Ditmar logo and "Muster geschützt R. Ditmar". Base Ø 147 mm.
Vase with putti playing music or enjoying wine. Handles with rams' heads. Vase Ø 127 mm, with handles 176 mm.
Drop-in font of clear glass. Special collar with external thread cemented to the glass. The cast zinc lid is screwed onto this thread. Lid Ø 138 mm. Lid can be unscrewed; font removable.

Burner:
15’’’ Sonnenbrenner of R. Ditmar, Vienna, for the French market.
Wick knob marked: Bec Soleil R. Ditmar.
Wick tube marked: Breveté S.G.D.G.
Original flame disc for Sonnenbrenner.
Original round wick Ø 24 mm; original transport wick.

Glass chimney:
15’’’ shoulder chimney for Sonnenbrenner. Height 285 mm, Ø fitter 53 mm. Without brand.
New production made of borosilicate glass for Sonnenbrenner by Miles Stair, USA.

Shade and shade holder:
British tulip shade for gas lamps, orange-red glass, darker on top, frosted, deep-etched transparent ornamentation, top rim fluted. Lipped fitter. Inner fitter sanded down to fit.
Height 138 mm, Ø fitter 68 and top rim 205 mm.
70 mm globe holder for 10’’’ burners; sawn off the inside and adapted to the burner.

Lamp dimensions:
Height up to collar 29.0 cm, total height with chimney 62.0 cm.
Total weight 3110 g.