L.146
A large pillar lamp by Wild & Wessel (no. 2301 & 2) made of brown-reddish marble (or porphyry?) and with a large crystal font. This mighty pillar lamp is not shown in this base constellation in W&W's 1894 anniversary catalogue. However, it can be recognised in an extremely rare W&W catalogue from 1902/03, which is only fragmentarily preserved. There it is listed with two different combinations: No. 2749 in bronze and No. 2749A with a galvanic bronzed base. Brazilian onyx is specified as the column material for both. Interestingly, the model numbers differ from the numbers designated above.
The pillar lamps in this size are shown in the Wild & Wessel anniversary catalogue with expansive large fabric shades. The shade holder on the lamp was actually suitable for a large fabric shade. I had tried the lamp with larger ball shades from the USA; however, I could not decide to leave this mighty, valuable W&W lamp with an American ball shade after all. The original shade holder for fabric shades urged me to build such a fabric shade myself. These shades are no longer available; they have not survived the test of time. Then the lamp fell into a slumber for years, as I shied away from the very extensive work of building a shade based on old models. A few years ago, during a trip to northern Spain, I found the necessary lace in a great specialist shop in Zaragoza. These laces also lay dormant in a box for years.
In June 2021, almost 8 years after purchasing the lamp, I finally started working on the fabric shade. First, I built a framework for the shade from brass rods (Ø 3 mm) according to my own design. Then I covered this brass framework with a white cotton fabric, which serves to better reflect the light of the burner flame downwards. On top of this white fabric I sewed a cover fabric made of pure red silk. On top of this, the lace from Zaragoza was applied in a ruffled shape and trimmed with red velvet ribbons. At the very end, I hung crystal drops on the four ends of the velvet ribbons. This resulted in a large silk shade that looks quite similar to the pictures in the catalogues of that time.
The burner's own wick was so badly frayed that I had to dispose of it. I used an unused original wick for 16’’’ Central Vulkan as a replacement. Unfortunately, the Central Vulcan chimney that came with the lamp was broken off in the middle and unusable. However, I was able to replace it just fine.
This lamp is my largest W&W lamp; and I confess I am proud that I was able to realise the idea of a semi-authentic looking fabric shade entirely by myself.
Lamp Data
Added by me:
Glass chimney and fabric shade (self-made).
Cleaning and repairs:
Zinc castings bronzed with brass wax (Laiton). Constructed the large silk shade myself (see above).
Lamp body:
Base of two glued square discs of brown-reddish marble, on four feet of cast zinc, 180 x 180 mm, Ø 246 mm. Above a column base of ornamental zinc casting, square, marked at the bottom: 2301 & 2. Column of the same brown-reddish marble. Corinthian capital in zinc casting.
Large font of stepped crystal glass with sliced cut, Ø 190 mm. Removable font.
Burner:
16’’’ Central Vulkan burner of Wild & Wessel, Berlin. Burner thread 48.5 mm.
Wick knob marked: W&W Central Vulkan.
Wick tube marked: 16 W.&W. Central D.R. Patent 18574.
Original flame disc, marked: Central Vulkan 16 W.&W.
Original wick for Central Vulkan with suction strands, marked: 16.
Glass chimney:
16’’’ Central Vulkan chimney (pinch/ball type). Height 298 mm, Ø fitter 57 mm.
Marked: Prima Cristall O.F. + Lion with lamp.
Shade and shade holder:
Large silk shade, self-made from brass rods, white cotton fabric, red silk fabric, lace, red velvet ribbon and crystal drops.
Height 25 cm, Ø bottom 43 cm.
Original W&W shade holder for fabric shades; three long brass arms supporting a ring at the top.
Lamp dimensions:
Height up to collar 53.5 cm, total height with chimney 88.0 cm.
Total weight 6400 g.
