Object Description
A magnificent antique pair of French ormolu table lamps, Circa 1870 in date.
Later converted to electricity from 19th Century French ormolu candlesticks. The stems formed as climbing cherubs and rococo decoration upon naturalistically modelled circular bases.
They are delightful objects which will look fabulous in any surrounding.
Condition:
In really excellent working condition having been beautifully cleaned and professionally rewired in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 37 x Width 16 x Depth 16
Dimensions in inches:
Height 1 foot, 3 inches x Width 6 inches x Depth 6 inches
Ormolu (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.
Our reference: A2551