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Antique Gilt Bronze Rise and Fall Table Lamp with Green Glass Shade, c.1900
A highly decorative antique gilt bronze rise and fall table lamp, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, retaining a particularly attractive deep green glass shade.
The lamp has an unusually architectural and sculptural form, combining the practicality of an adjustable reading lamp with elaborate historicist decoration. Its design draws strongly upon French Louis XV and Rococo Revival ornament, with scrolling foliage, acanthus leaves and boldly modelled decorative mounts throughout.
A substantial circular weighted base gives the lamp excellent presence and stability. The stepped base is decorated with radiating fluting and raised detailing, rising through a finely modelled foliate collar to the tall central stem.
Adjustable Rise & Fall Design
One of the most appealing features is the lamp\'s adjustable rise-and-fall mechanism.
The horizontal lighting arm is mounted through a substantial central fitting on the upright stem, allowing its position to be adjusted to alter the height of the light. A decorative tightening screw secures the mechanism in position.
The lighting arm itself is particularly accomplished. A scrolling gilt-bronze support enriched with acanthus and foliate ornament sweeps upwards into a tall curved arm, terminating in further cast decorative mounts before supporting the shade.
Opposite the lighting arm is an upright decorative finial surmounted by an openwork foliate ring, providing both visual balance and an additional ornamental element.
Green Glass Shade
The lamp retains a striking deep emerald-green glass conical shade, suspended beneath its original-style metal gallery.
When illuminated, the green glass produces a wonderful traditional library or desk-lamp appearance, directing a warm pool of light downwards while the shade itself takes on a rich translucent green glow.
The combination of green glass and aged gilt metal is particularly effective and gives the lamp the character associated with traditional library, study and gentleman\'s desk lighting.
Decorative Detail
The quality of the metalwork is evident throughout the lamp, particularly in the numerous individually modelled mounts.
Details include scrolling acanthus foliage, shell and leaf ornament, pierced foliate decoration, fluted mouldings and a series of substantial cast collars and finials.
The gilt finish has mellowed naturally with age, revealing subtle variations in colour and areas of darker patination that emphasise the modelling of the metalwork. We have deliberately retained this aged surface rather than over-polishing the lamp, preserving its antique character.
Restoration & Electrical Work
The lamp has been fully rewired and electrically tested for use in the UK.
The sympathetic rewiring has been undertaken with the intention of retaining the appearance and character of the original lamp while ensuring it is suitable for continued use.
It is fitted with traditional-style braided flex, complementing the aged gilt finish and period character of the piece.
The adjustable mechanism remains functional, allowing the lamp to be positioned according to the required lighting height.
Condition
Presented in very good antique condition following sympathetic workshop attention.
The gilt bronze retains an attractive aged surface with expected rubbing, mellowing, oxidation and minor marks consistent with its age and use. These have intentionally been retained as part of the lamp\'s character.
The green glass shade presents extremely well. As with all antique glass, minor manufacturing irregularities and light age-related surface marks may be present.
Measurements
Height: 63 cm / 24.8 inches
Width: 22 cm / 8.7 inches
Depth: 41 cm / 16.1 inches
Weight: 4.6 kg / 10.1 lbs
