Other Lighting
Browse our collection of Other Lighting devices such as antique silver Oil Lamps, Wall Lights, Sconces, Lanterns and Chandeliers. Early lighting is as prized today as it was two centuries ago and can be used both inside and outside of the house.
The 17th and 18th century Lantern was very economical as it shielded the candle from the wind outside and from drafts when used inside the house, thus allowing the wax or tallow stick to burn more slowly and steadily. The archaic name, lanthorn, refers to the thin sheets of translucent horn used to fashion the sides of the early lanterns before they were made of glass.
Wall Sconces were wall lights with a back plate from which a ”branch” or candle socket extended. The back plate, usually of mirror glass or polished metal, reflected light back into a room and magnified the light from each candle. The back or wall plate also afforded some protection from drafts. The term itself comes from the old French word esconse, meaning lantern or hiding place and from the Dutch word, schans, for protection or cover.
The use of Oil Lamps dates back to ancient times and there are Greek and Egyptian lamps which date back to the 3rd century BC. The oil lamp was used as an alternative to candles and produced light continuously for a period of time using an oil-based fuel source. In small towns and rural areas they remained in use until well into the 20th century, until such areas were finally electrified and light bulbs could be used.
Other Lighting
Browse our collection of Other Lighting devices such as antique silver Oil Lamps, Wall Lights, Sconces, Lanterns and Chandeliers. Early lighting is as prized today as it was two centuries ago and can be used both inside and outside of the house.
The 17th and 18th century Lantern was very economical as it shielded the candle from the wind outside and from drafts when used inside the house, thus allowing the wax or tallow stick to burn more slowly and steadily. The archaic name, lanthorn, refers to the thin sheets of translucent horn used to fashion the sides of the early lanterns before they were made of glass.
Wall Sconces were wall lights with a back plate from which a ”branch” or candle socket extended. The back plate, usually of mirror glass or polished metal, reflected light back into a room and magnified the light from each candle. The back or wall plate also afforded some protection from drafts. The term itself comes from the old French word esconse, meaning lantern or hiding place and from the Dutch word, schans, for protection or cover.
The use of Oil Lamps dates back to ancient times and there are Greek and Egyptian lamps which date back to the 3rd century BC. The oil lamp was used as an alternative to candles and produced light continuously for a period of time using an oil-based fuel source. In small towns and rural areas they remained in use until well into the 20th century, until such areas were finally electrified and light bulbs could be used.
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1819 - 1849
Giuseppe Pagliari
8588 Antique Italian Silver Oil Lamp
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An elegant antique silver lamp mounted on a tall double headed (Janus) column. The traditional style oil lamp has provision for 2 wicks and the cover is removable. Suspended on 3 long chains are the snuffer, knife and tweezer tools. Underneath the base you can see the handmade hammered finish. Weight 536 grams, 17.2 troy ounces. Height 33 cms. Diameter of base 12.5 cms. Marked around the base and on the tools with Italian silver marks for Rome and makers mark for Giuseppe Pagliari 1819-1849.
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1830
9430 Antique Italian Silver Oil Lamp
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An attractive antique silver lamp mounted on a gilt metal cherub column. The traditional style oil lamp has provision for 3 wicks and the cover has a bayonet fitting. Suspended on 3 long chains are the snuffer, knife and tweezer tools. Weighted base. Height 34cm. Diameter of base 11cm. Italian silver marks for Rome and makers mark for Filippo Pacetti circa 1830.
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Circa 1840
10124 Antique Silver Plated Table Lamps
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A handsome pair of 19th century antique silver on brass oil lamp bases, now mounted as electric table lamps. Excellent quality design with Corinthian capitals, tall reeded columns and square plinths applied with laurel wreaths. The bases retain their original cast iron stability weights. Early Victorian. Height 58cm (63cm with electrical fitting). Width of base 16.5cm. Circa 1840. Unmarked. These lamps are being sold as decorative items only and have no electrical wiring.
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Circa 1850
7927 Antique Greek Silver Oil Lamp
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An antique silver hanging lamp with chains from Corfu in Greece. The body is very decorative with embossed leaf motifs. Weight 247 grams, 7.9 troy ounces. Height 20.5 cms. Hanging height 53.5 cms. Both the top and bottom are stamped with Greek silver marks for Corfu, Ionian Islands. Circa 1850.
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1863
Ortner & Houle
8145 Antique Silver Travelling Lamp
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A fine quality antique sterling silver travelling or carriage lamp by Orton & Houle, neatly designed so that it can be carried for travel. To use the lamp, lift the lid and pull out the hinged front cover to reveal the candle holder behind a glass panel. The lamp can then either be hung from the suspension hooks, or placed standing up by pulling down the base. Next to the base there is a cylindrical vesta case, with a drop down hinged cover for matches and a match striker. A nice feature is the candle holder which has a spring fitting allowing the candle to be pushed up as the candle burns down. Stamped on the main cover with full English silver hallmarks for London 1863. Maker and retailer Ortner & Houle, 3 St James St, SW London.
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1890
5675 Pair of Antique Silver Plated Wall Lights
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A beautiful pair of classical style antique wall lights, each with 2 overhanging lamps holders. The rectangular back plates are mounted with goats head masks and harebell chains. Height 35 cms. Width 8 cms. Spread across arms 25 cms. Circa 1890. Silver on brass. Sold as decorative items only.
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Circa 1890
7326 Victorian Silver Plated Lamp
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A tall and handsome antique silver plated Corinthian column lamp with a square stepped base having gadroon border and classical urn and swag motifs. Excellent quality and crisp definition on the Corinthian top. The cut crystal oil reservoir has a screw fitting to the column and the top still retains the original mount, marked Hinks patent, for the oil burner fitting (not supplied). Height 56 cms, 44 cms without the glass top. Base 16 x 16 cms. Circa 1890. Base unmarked.
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1892
7769 Antique Silver Wall Sconces
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A charming pair of Dutch silver girandoles (or candle lights) each holding three candles branches supported on a decorative embossed back plate. The scene is of a classical figure with a pastoral background surrounded by a border of fruit topped by 2 reclining figures, 2 lions to the side and a cherub’s head at the bottom. Weight 263 grams, 8.4 troy ounces. Height 13.5 cms. Width 10.5 cms. Back plate 10.5 x 7 cms. Candle nozzle diameter 2 cms approx. Fully stamped with Dutch silver marks and also English import marks for Chester 1892, importer B.H Joseph.
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Circa 1900
9566 Antique Silver Plated Wall Lights
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A stunning pair of antique wall mirrors of tall shaped form (girandoles), each mounted with two pairs of candle sconces. Decorated in the flamboyant rococo style, the scrolling high relief ornament has fretwork, sea foam and stalactites. Mounted at the top is a winged cherub and below the mirror is a figural plaque. Height 65 cm. Width 34 cm. Mirror height 30 cm, width 18 cm. Probably French. Circa 1900.
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Circa 1900
10178 Antique Silver Miniature Chandelier
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This toy chandelier is an exact replica of a full size 9-candle original and the design is typically Dutch. Weight 50 grams, less than 2 troy ounces. Height 7.2cm. Spread 7.2cm. Unmarked silver. Probably Dutch. Circa 1900.
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1901
Asprey
9445 Antique Silver Travelling Lamp
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An unusual antique travelling mirror or lamp in sterling silver. The plain styled case unfolds into a 3 fold screen with a hinged flap to stand a candle light. Weight 186 grams, 5.9 troy ounces. Case closed 9.4×7.5cm. London 1901. Maker Asprey & Sons.
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1928 - 1932
William Comyns
9757 Vintage Silver Wall Sconces
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A harlequin pair of George V silver wall lights with shield shaped back plates and gadroon borders. Each lamp has 2 candle holders. Gross weight 1500 grams, 49 troy ounces approx. Back plate measures 20.3cm x 19.9cm. London 1928, maker William Comyns andLondon 1932, maker “GD” unidentified. Sterling silver.
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