BURMESE EPERGNE

Hello,
I am researching a lamp my grandmother has. It is a BURMESE FAIRY LAMP. Can anyone tell me about this fairy lamp I have not seen one like it. It has three lamps on a stand with i think with three flower bud vases. Some of the class holders have what looks to be a ballerina or fairy with the name Webb. I have pictures of this.

Thank you,
Ladybug

I am sure we can help you but, we need to see a photo. Let me know if you need any help posting the photo to the forum.

Jim.

Let me know If I did it right.

Thanks,
Ladybug

You did a great job with the photo. This lamp is similar to the examples R-695 and R-697 without the pie crust edge around the bottom. These two examples are also in pyramid-size while yours is fairy-size. The base has been painted with the Woodbine pattern. It probably left the factory with matching painted shades and bud vases. The large top bud vases are usually found on lamp examples such as R-681, R-682 and R-683 with a mirror plateau, while the tapered vases are more common on the stand versions of lamps. You have two examples of the tapered style next to the lamp in the photo.
Thanks for sharing.

Hello,
What does R-695 and so forth mean? So what you are saying is, is that the shades are not part of the bottom? Is there any picture of what this lamp could have looked liked new? Do you know what year it might have been made? How much do you think my grandmother could sell it for?

Thanks, So much Ladybug

The "R-number" refers to a photograph in the book "Fairy Lamps - Elegance in Candle Lighting" by Ruf & Ruf. Following is what R-697 looks like:


The book is the most current most complete book on Victorian-era fairy lamps. This book, published 1996, will include representative "book values" for lamp "similar" to yours. The condition and completness are often, however, the most important factors in determining the value. Not to mention the current market conditions.

You will find a wealth of information on our web site [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Jim.

Here is an 2008 auction that has a lamp very similar to yours:


It is on page 6 of this auction report.

Jim.

Hello Jim,
Is there a lamp out there that looks like the one my grandmother has? That has the same pattern? Also there is no stamp on the bottom of this lamp does that matter. I have not be able to find the stand that looks like hers flat.

Many Thanks,
ladybug

Here is the lamp that was sold at auction last year (left image):



This lamp was discussed on this forum and several thought the base was cut down from a model similar to the one shown in the middle. We felt the four lamp arrangement on such a small base would be too top heavy to be practicle. Typically, your base has fewer lamps like the one shown on the right. That said, your base does not look like it has been cut down. Since your stand is decorated, has a fittings for four lamps, and the shades are undecorated I suspect it is a marriage. It is, however, a very nice epergne and has significant value.

The only markings you are likely to find on your lamp will be the clear lamp cups (embossed Clarke) and the brass rings which are marked "Clarke" on the inside of the rings. The Burmese shades and stand (Webb) are typically unmarked.

Jim.