Object Description
This is a antique monumental finely cast antique French ormolu lamp now converted to electricity, circa 1880 in date.
The triform base candelabra lamp has a trifrom paw foot baseswith lion masks and shell plinths, supporting a finely cast reeded column. The five swirling stylised acanthus leaf arms terminating in beautiful patinated bronze bobeches, with a matching central candleholder now converted into a lamp.
The lamp has been rewired and is offered with a shade ready to grace your special room.
The craftsmanship is second to none throughout all aspects of this lamp and it is sure to add an unparalleled touch of lighting to your home.
Province:
The Estate of Eric Robinson
Condition:
In excellent working condition having been beautifully cleaned and rewired in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 94 cm x Width 40 cm x Depth 40 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 3 feet, 1 inch x Width 1 foot, 4 inches x Depth 1 foot, 4 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: A4670