L.262

An older cast zinc lamp by R. Ditmar in a shape that takes some getting used to. According to its model number, it might have been designed around 1875-1880. Three lion paws connected in the middle are mounted on a triangular slate base. The small, rather squat vase is supported by these lion paws. And perched on top of the vase is a 15’’’ Sonnenbrenner, which is too large for the lamp. The whole construction is not very tasteful, in my opinion. But the lamp must have been popular at the time, because it was still on sale in the late 19th century. It is illustrated in the Ditmar catalogue 1897 (lamp 6111).

When the lamp arrived, I discovered remnants of red bronze on it. Consequently, I decided to bronze the lamp with my brass-copper-wax mixture.

The lamp is shown in the catalogue with the Sonnenbrenner, so I leave the burner on the lamp. The burner's flame disc was missing the small disc at the bottom, so it sank in deep. I made this disc myself. The burner had no wicks; however, I was able to complete it with original wicks. In a nearby flea market I acquired the only, original 15’’’ Sonnenbrenner chimney in my collection together with a completely irrelevant kitchen lamp.

The lamp is shown in the catalogue with a conical Vesta shade. The only conical Vesta shade I owned had come with the Favorit lamp L.002 by R. Ditmar. Many years later, when I managed to buy a convex-shaped shade for the Favorit lamp very similar to the catalogue picture, I was then able to use the conical shade here on this venerable lamp. This shade might even have been original from Ditmar, because old, conical Vesta shades with a 21 cm fitter width are otherwise extremely rare to find. However, I only managed to make it work when I was finally able to buy a 21 cm shade holder (just as rare as the shades!). I painted this iron shade holder with brass paint.

Lamp Data

Added by me:
Glass chimney, Vesta shade and shade holder.

Cleaning and repairs:
See above.

Lamp body:
Base of triangular slate, black lacquered, side length approx. 19.5 cm. Foot in the shape of three animal paws of cast zinc.
Vase made of ornamental zinc casting. Lamp body used to be red bronzed, of which only a few remains.
Drop-in font of clear glass. Font lid also of ornamental zinc casting, Ø 149 mm.

Burner:
15’’’ Sonnenbrenner of R. Ditmar, Vienna.
Wick knob marked: Sonnenbrenner R. Ditmar Wien. Black glass inlay.
Original flame disc of Sonnenbrenner.
Original round wick Ø 24 mm; original transport wick.

Glass chimney:
15’’’ shoulder chimney for Sonnenbrenner. Height 286 mm, Ø fitter 51 mm.
Marked: 15 Sonnen Brenner R. Ditmar Wien.

Shade and shade holder:
Vesta shade, conical form, white milk glass, flat rolled top rim.
Height 150 mm, Ø fitter 205 and bulge 233 mm.
210 mm shade holder for 14’’’/15’’’ burners.

Lamp dimensions:
Height up to collar 20.0 cm, total height with chimney 53.0 cm.
Total weight 3310 g.