A Pair of French Crystal Vanity Table Lamps, Ca. 1920

Description

You're already thinking to yourself, "Hmmm... these lamps are FABULOUS," no? Well if you hadn't guessed, that's my opinion. Top, … more You're already thinking to yourself, "Hmmm... these lamps are FABULOUS," no? Well if you hadn't guessed, that's my opinion. Top, top French quality, the glass is most likely crystal by one of the great French glass manufacturers like Val St. Lambert, or Baccarat, or Saint-Louis. This glass has that telltale "color" of crystal; the sharpness of the edges suggests crystal likewise. The well-patinated brass fittings are beautifully and sharply cast and decorated. How do you like that beaded edge on the base? And the floral motif on the part below the bobeches? These lamps are marked "Made in France" on the underside of the brass bases. And speaking of the brass – it has a lovely, very old, dark patina.

Like most things a hundred years old these have a couple of dings... like the inclusion just below the decorated brass piece on one lamp and a chip just above the brass band near the bottom on the other. There's a tiny chip on the underside of one bobeche visible only if you really hunt for it (the first two described here are pictured).

These lamps are rewired for use with American candelabra bulbs (up to sixty watts each) and have two (newer but antique) matching on-off in-line switches. The lamps are about 16 inches high. Shades that clip onto bulbs are provided, they're in nearly brand-new condition. Note that the shades are clip-on and you will need to use a candelabra-based bulb, and the "torpedo" shape seems to work best.

Perfect for a lady's vanity or a sideboard or console -- anywhere two stately, elegant lamps are called for.

Measurements: Standing about 16 1/2 inches tall, 5 across the bases. less