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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Period lamp inquiry

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Expert: Rex Ransome - 1/17/2009


Question

Three Cherubs
Rex,

My wife and I came across a beautiful antique piece which we purchased several years back. The previous owner assumed, because it appears to be one...that it was a statue. For this reason it was used outside. I recognized the threaded insert on top and a bakelite grommet (electrical cord insulator) on the base as giveaways. This was a lamp. When examining this piece closer...another discovery. Under the plaster (which at one time was color enameled), is "bronze". This is a bronze-based piece which was then plastered to hold a baked coloring. Based on the styling, my sense is this lamp is Italian. My question is basic. What can you tell me about this beautiful lamp and is this unusual process typical to a particular company?

Thank you in advance and I look forward to your response.

Dana
Mystic

Answer
Sorry, I can't be of much help on this one w/o personal inspection. I agree that it is a lamp. It is old. I have seen similar, but not this exact one before. There have been lamps produced in the 60s-70s similar that were chalk or spelter, but this one is different and much older.

Thanks

Rex Ransome

Expertise

I can answer most questions concerning antique and vintage lamps. I also repair and refurbish these kinds of lamps. If I don't know the answer I can research and find out.

Experience

Antique sales; antique repair; estate sales

Education/Credentials
B.A. Journalism; M.S. Human Resource Development

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