L.358

One of the most eye-catching porcelain figural lamps in my collection. Three female figures in Greek clothes carry together a font holder. The figures are painted differently. The porcelain font differs from the female figures with its Capodimonte style. This British lamp is probably from 1890-1900. There are other copies that are quite different in design and quality.

For me it was love at first sight for a badly damaged lamp! A woman's arm and hand were completely gone; some fingertips were missing, and two other arms were broken and glued to the body. The extent of the damage was so obvious that nobody but me bought the lamp. I knew that my porcelain repairer would do the best to repair any damaged or missing areas.

The porcelain parts of the lamp seem to come from German manufacturers (probably from Thuringia), but specially made for the British market. The column part with three women is very finely modelled and painted. It reminds me of Royal Dux in Bohemia, or Worcester in England. Both manufacturers would, however, sign with their own brands. However, the porcelain is marked on the inside with an imitation of the Meissen swords. The font is in Capodimonte style and is marked with an R. I could not identify both signatures. This font was also seen on another British lamp.

The lamp may have been electrified earlier. The collar had 2 holes and I could see glue traces for a cable on the font. I replaced the collar with a bayonet collar and completed the lamp with British parts.

Lamp Data

Added by me:
Bayonet collar, burner with globe holder, glass chimney and tulip shade.

Cleaning and repairs:
See above.

Lamp body:
Black glazed ceramic base, Ø 184 mm.
Middle part of the lamp in the form of 3 caryatid women in Greek robes made of painted porcelain, marked below: Stylized swords (Meissen imitation, manufacture unknown). Base Ø 144 mm. Height of the sculpture 266 mm.
Porcelain font with painted frieze (sea god Poseidon and related figures) in Capodimonte style, marked: R with cross (manufacture unknown). Removable font, Ø 157, thread 23 mm.

Burner:
Duplex burner of Messenger & Co., Birmingham, with gallery raiser and flame extinguisher. Bayonet fitting. Firmly attached globe holder.
Cap bridge marked: Messenger’s Patent.
Wick knobs marked: Messenger's Patent Duplex No.2. Black glass inserts.
Two flat wicks 27 mm each and a transport wick.

Glass chimney:
Duplex chimney with oval bulge. Height 250 mm, Ø fitter 63 mm.
Marked: Griffin Brand Fireproof - Made in Bohemia + griffin.

Shade and shade holder:
British tulip shade, colourless glass, deep etched flowers all over, fluted top rim.
Height 155 mm, Ø fitter 103 and top rim 208 mm.
100 mm globe holder for 20’’’ burners, integral part of the burner.

Lamp dimensions:
Height up to collar 41.0 cm, total height with chimney 70.0 cm.
Total weight 4280 g.