Object Description
This is a highly attractive antique Edwardian high quality ormolu floor standard oil lamp now converted to electricity, circa 1890 in date.
This splendid lamp features the beautiful original etched glass shade atop a burner and bulbous reservoir on a reeded telescopic stem to a domed base raised on three domed feet.
The lamp has been rewired, is complete with shade and is ready to grace your special room.
The craftsmanship is second to none throughout all aspects of this floor lamp and it is sure to add an unparalleled touch of lighting to your home.
Condition:
In excellent working condition having been beautifully cleaned and rewired in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 160 cm x Width 36 cm x Depth 36 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 5 foot, 3 inches x Width 1 foot, 2 inches x Depth 1 foot, 2 inches
Ormolu – Gilt Bronze (from French ‘or moulu’, signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze.The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-coloured veneer known as ‘gilt bronze’.
The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.
After around 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury other techniques were used instead. Electroplating is the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used on silver, to produce silver-gilt..
Our reference: A4173