L.365

The 365th lamp in the collection, and thus the last lamp. And yet a worthy conclusion with a stately majolica lamp that came to me complete with an 18''' Sonnenbrenner including original wicks. I only had to replace the chimney by inserting a correct shoulder chimney.

The lamp was listed on eBay by a friend for several weeks but found no buyers, although a large painted majolica lamp with an 18’’’ Sonnenbrenner is very rare. Eventually I acquired the lamp, despite my decision at the time not to buy any more lamps. The decision to buy came not primarily from the Sonnenbrenner it contained, but from the painted, large butterfly on the vase. Did I ever mention that my wife and I love butterflies?

The majolica vase in urn form is richly painted with small and large flowers, and a butterfly flaunts in their centre. This elaborately painted scene can be admired on three sides of the vase. The vase is finished with a brass ring at the top, which has some cracks and breaks. These spots may have deterred other collectors from buying the lamp.

The base is made of decoratively embossed brass sheet, supported by three baroque ornamented feet made of cast brass.

I only had to replace the chimney on the lamp. The seller had fitted an 18’’’ Kosmos chimney (also quite rare). I fitted a shoulder chimney for 18’’’ Sonnenbrenner. The rest stayed with the lamp, as everything else fitted perfectly. So after months of hesitation, a lamp came to me after all, and now enriches my collection at the end.

Lamp Data

Added by me:
Glass chimney.

Cleaning and repairs:
Not necessary.

Lamp body:
Base of ornamentally embossed brass sheet, on 3 feet of cast brass, side length 170 mm.
Majolica vase in urn form, painted flowers and butterflies (3 times same pattern), Ø 169 mm. Stamped under the vase: 1038 17 BW. Upper finish of the vase with a brass ring, the cracks of which are soldered.
Drop-in font of clear glass, cemented under majolica lid. Lid Ø 146 mm. Vase ring thread 48.8 mm.

Burner:
18’’’ Sonnenbrenner of R. Ditmar, Vienna. Burner thread 49,8 mm.
Wick knob marked: Sonnenbrenner R. Ditmar Wien. Black glass inlay.
Wick tube marked: Breveté S.G.D.G.
Original flame disc, marked: Logo R. Ditmar + oben (= top).
Original round wick, Ø 29 mm; original transport wick.

Glass chimney:
18’’’ shoulder chimney for Sonnenbrenner. Height 306 mm, fitter 62 mm.
Marked: Kamenz Cristal de Roche - Soleil 18'''.

Shade and shade holder:
Ball shade, white milk glass, colourless overlay.
Height 180 mm, Ø fitter 100 and bulge 200 mm.
100 mm globe holder for 20’’’ burners.

Lamp dimensions:
Height up to collar 34.5 cm, total height with chimney 70.0 cm.
Total weight 3540 g.