L.318
Here we have a lamp that was very likely a high quality electric lamp in the 1950-60s. The seller had honestly stated that. The lamp was later converted into a kerosene/paraffin lamp by inserting a threaded rod with a font holder into it (but see the note below). But the overall shape and opulent, heavy design reminded me of expensive salon lamps from the second half of the 19th century. That's why I bought the lamp.
Two cable holes at the bottom and the internal fittings with screwed tubes etc. were clear indications of an electric lamp. The whole font bracket behind the putto was quite loose. The castings had significant production unevenness (cast seams and holes, incorrectly formed limbs), which is also more of a characteristic of assembly line production in the 20th century.
Note: A highly esteemed collector friend, Gerd Engelmann in Düren, has the same lamp in his collection as a pure kerosene/paraffin lamp without additional holes for a cable guide. In his lamp, however, the rear vertical part for holding the font is shaped differently. The rest of the lamp (putto figure, pedestal, marble base with brass feet) is completely identical. Gerd thinks that the lamp was a real kerosene/paraffin lamp from the beginning. It is possible that my lamp was only later converted into an electric lamp.
First I ground out all visible cast seams etc. and formed missing areas (cast holes, cable holes, missing fingers, etc.) with Stabilit®. I was able to replace the screw tube of the font bracket with a more stable tube. I then re-bronzed all zinc castings in two shades of gold.
A large, blue glass font, combined with a 20 line Matador burner and a white ball shade completed the lamp, which has now truly achieved imposing size and elegance. The blue font and the white ball shade in particular harmonize perfectly with the bronze coloured sculpture.
Lamp Data
Added by me:
Glass font, brass undermount, screw tube and threaded rod, burner with flame disc, glass chimney, ball shade and globe holder.
Cleaning and repairs:
Brass undermount cemented to the font. Inner screw tube renewed. Two cable holes closed with Stabilit®. Casting defects and unevenness sanded off. Missing fingers shaped with Stabilit®. All zinc cast parts re-bronzed.
Lamp body:
Base made of black, white banded marble, triangular, on 3 brass feet, side length 21 cm.
Lamp body made from a cast zinc sculpture (putto sitting on an ornamental base; behind the putto a vertical bracket in the form of a tree trunk) as a baroque structure made of 5 individual parts.
Font made of blue glass, ribbed crosswise, Ø 172 mm.
Burner:
20’’’ Matador burner of Ehrich & Graetz, Berlin, with gallery raiser.
Wick knob marked: Logo of Ehrich & Graetz.
Burner marked: 20’’’ Matadorbrenner.
Original flame disc with hat on sieve tube, marked: 20’’’ Matadorbrenner.
Flat wick 86 mm.
Glass chimney:
20’’’ Matador chimney. Height 281 mm, Ø fitter 64 mm.
Marked: Cristal Recuit 20’’’ + crown in a circle.
Shade and shade holder:
Ball shade, white milk glass overlaid with clear glass.
Height 180 mm, Ø fitter 100 and bulge 201 mm.
100 mm globe holder for 20’’’ burners.
Lamp dimensions:
Height up to collar 53.8 cm, total height with chimney 85.6 cm.
Total weight 7.9 kg.
