L.269

A Wild & Wessel lamp from the early period of ca. 1865-1870. The dating is based on the analogy with my other white milk glass lamp by W&W (L.338), which is illustrated in W&W's jubilee catalogue and dates from 1865. This lamp undoubtedly belongs to the same time period as it has a similar construction principle.

There are no markings on either lamp to indicate Wild & Wessel. It can be assumed that W&W did not stamp a model number under the brass bases. Both these early and later brass bases do not bear a W&W number. On the other hand, the cast zinc lamps, even the earliest models, always bear a model number.

Fortunately, I had another Kosmos burner of the very first version by Wild & Wessel with which I could authentically equip this lamp. However, the burner does not bear the usual W&W logo, but an 8-cornered star. Either it is a very early logo, even before W&W developed their famous logo with the wings and decorated the back of the wick wheel with a cord pattern, or it is a logo for dealers.

A French tulip shade completed the lamp.

Lamp Data

Added by me:
Burner, glass chimney, tulip shade and globe holder.

Cleaning and repairs:
No repairs were necessary.

Lamp body:
Base of ornamental cast brass, on three feet, side length 20.5 cm.
Vase of white milk glass, three-tiered, vertically elongated faceted cut. Top of the vase with ornamental metal contours of cast brass. Vase Ø 127 mm.
Font of white milk glass, lower part with sliced cut, Ø 147 mm. Typical W&W metal undermount with thread. The font can be removed.

Burner:
14’’’ Kosmos burner of Wild & Wessel, Berlin, from the years 1865-1869, with a single roller for wick transport, then still marketed under the name “Rundflachdocht-Brenner” (= Round flat wick burner).
Wick knob marked: 8-rayed star. Wick knob back without W&W cord.
Wick tube marked: Patent Breveté.
Flat wick 68 mm.

Glass chimney:
14’’’ Kosmos chimney. Height 260 mm, Ø fitter 52 mm.
Marked: 14''' + crown.

Shade and shade holder:
Tulip shade, colourless glass, frosted, flat transparent motifs, waved top rim.
Height 204 mm, Ø fitter 69 and top rim 155 mm.
70 mm globe holder for 14’’’/15’’’ burners.

Lamp dimensions:
Height up to collar 41.1 cm, total height with chimney 70.7 cm.
Total weight 2660 g.