Ornate style of lamp revival of Spanish design
Plus, candelabra hearkens to contrasting stories of success and struggles in 1800s
Q A neighbour was moving and put out this very ornate lamp, and a mate to it with a “free” sign on them. I told them they might be worth something, but they didn’t want them anymore so I rescued them. He said it might have been his great-grandmother’s. One of the glass panels opens to change the bulb. They are 51 cm tall (20 inches) and quite heavy wrought iron or brass. The underside has a label “R.M.C. Lamps — Chicago.” Thanks for your time and expertise. I hope this is interesting.
Dave, Ottawa
A You have saved a pair of decorative lamps that are guaranteed to start a conversation. The design is a revival of the lavish wrought iron work that was prevalent during the Spanish Renaissance of the 1500s, when ornate grilles with exuberant amounts of scrolls were part of exterior home architecture. They were even advertised around 1900, by Eatons of Canada as
“the latest idea for Moorish rooms or Turkish divans.” The stand — with its shells, flowers and flowing standard — hints at its date in common with the Art Nouveau era. The manufacturer made many lamps typical of the era from 1895 to the 1920s and I suspect that RMC supplied parts for lamps to the many other Chicago lamp makers. Your reward will be about $700. A magnet will distinguish the materials.
Q This candelabra, measuring 47.5 cm in height (18.75 inches) was a gift to my great-greatgrandmother from her nieces in Quebec City in the late 1800s. They were the daughters of Joseph Knight Boswell (1812-1890) of Boswell Breweries. When my great-grandfather (1848-1886) died at a very young age, he left my great-grandmother a widow with six young girls in age from nine years old to six weeks. The Boswell nieces would send her their hand-me-downs, with the candelabra being one. Now in possession of it, I will soon hand it down to my son. I don’t think there is great value to it but the history is interesting. Marg, Lac Beauclair, Que.
A This is a great story of kindness and a note to the successful brewery business of Irishman Joseph Boswell. Expensive items were bought by those who could afford them. Your handsome candelabra was either made in England or Canada.
The decoration, with repeated scrolls and gadrooning spaced by plain sections is very elegant and caters to tastes of the late 1890s. They were usually in pairs. The silver plating, on copper, is in very good condition. It could, once again, grace a large dining room table or sideboard. It is worth about $175.
Q I have had this little dance card from the USNA (United States Naval Academy) Winter Hops (1911-12) for over 40 years. It is lovely to see cadet names beside the various dances. It brings a sweet image of a young miss filling out her dance card for what would have been a lovely evening! I wonder if it has any value? Regards. Deborah, Ottawa
A Ephemera at its best — informative, historical and charming. The academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, prepares students to become officers to serve in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. They are midshipmen on active duty in the Navy while attending as students. The quality crest depicted, of the USNA with trident, galley, open book, pillars and much more symbolizes the principals of the academy. A hop was a colloquial term for an informal dance — this one consisting of 20 waltzes and two-steps. The artwork is a great “hook” showing a couple through a porthole and her dance card hanging out the window on her arm. It’s well worth $40. Thanks for the invite!
John Sewell is an antiques and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to his column, go to the ‘Contact John’ page at www.johnsewellantiques.ca. Please measure your piece, say when and how you got it, what you paid and list any identifying marks. A high-resolution jpeg photo must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.)
* Appraisal values are estimates only.*