L.017

A majolica lamp painted with stylised flowers, probably made around 1895-1900. This style of painting was probably quite fashionable at a certain time, as many lamps exist in different shapes but with this type of painting. Especially in the 1898 catalogue of the German lamp manufacturer Löwenbach in Hanover there are several lamps with a very comparable appearance. Presumably this lamp is also from this manufacturer.

When the lamp arrived, the base was already quite damaged: one of the 4 feet was so badly broken that it fell apart in my hands. In addition, one of the protruding ornamental parts between the feet was missing, the breakage of which was still shining quite freshly. The base was probably damaged in transit, because in the eBay photo everything was still complete.

The base was also completely disfigured by many layers of old bronze paint. I removed these layers of paint with caustic soda, and out came a finely decorated, finely cast base of cast zinc. I soldered the broken foot part back on.

The burner that came with it was defective. The newly fitted burner is a high quality Kosmos burner from Kästner & Töbelmann. But it had 3 holes on the basket, so I soldered it with a sturdy shade holder.

A beautiful, painted Vesta shade in Art Nouveau form completed the lamp appropriately, as I think Vesta shades go far better with German majolica lamps than tulips or glass globes.

Lamp Data

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

Cleaning and repairs:
I removed the bronze paint from the base with caustic soda and re-bronzed it. I soldered the broken foot of the base.

Lamp body:
Base of fine, openwork zinc casting on 4 feet, painted several times with bronze paint. One foot and one ornamental part broken off. Base Ø 167 mm.
Vase of white majolica with hand-painted floral motifs, Ø 151 mm.
Drop-in font of clear glass, with majolica lid matching the vase, Ø 118 mm.

Burner:
14’’’ Kosmos burner of Kästner & Töbelmann, Erfurt, soldered to the shade holder.
Wick knob marked: Kaestner & Toebelmann, Erfurt.
Flat wick 66 mm.

Glass chimney:
14’’’ Kosmos chimney. Height 264 mm, Ø fitter 53 mm.
Marked: Logo of Wensel, Soest + 14‘‘‘.

Shade and shade holder:
Vesta shade, white milk glass, Art Nouveau form, painted with flowers and blue garlands, upper rim fluted with attached colourless rim.
Height 176 mm, Ø fitter 229 and bulge 273 mm.
235 mm shade holder for 14’’’/15’’’ burners, soldered to the burner.

Lamp dimensions:
Height up to collar 24.5 cm, total height with chimney 55.6 cm.
Total weight 2530 g.