1888 PAT. CRYSTAL JEWEL RAISER OIL LAMP BURNER BY HINKS WITH UNIQUE GILT FINISH
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:13952 | Type: Oil Lamps |
| Material: Brass | Style: Victorian |
| Original/Reproduction: Original |
This burner is very unusual in that it has been given a deep gold wash finish at the factory. It doesn’t seem to be ormolu, nor is it gold paint as I can’t see evidence of brush strokes.
My guess is that the finish was applied using some sort of dipping process. It closely resembles the type of gilt decoration found on some of the more ornate brass and spelter clock cases from the same period. It has been applied to every area except under the cork seal beneath the burner ...frill.
Today many of the aforementioned clock cases exhibit wear and loss of finish and this burner is no different. An 1888 design registration number - 97643 - is stamped onto the obverse rim of the burner body.
The cut crystal winder knob is also interesting because it is the first I’ve seen where the internal back plate retains almost 100% of its bright silver finish showing through. Most have tarnished considerably over the years and look dull gold in appearance.
Condition: I would estimate at 75% gilt finish remaining. Where it remains it is rich and bright and where it has been lost you can see dark tarnished brass showing through. The cut crystal winder knob shows no chipping or damage apart from a minuscule scratch on the facing facet which the camera hasn’t been able to pick up. I mention it only for accuracy. It’s hard to see. The burner functions correctly and all chimney grips are present. There are no dings or dents to the brass surfaces. The double-ended horn toggle is still present on the extinguisher lever, showing the usual grainy surface.
Postage: Within the U.K. I dispatch items via RM Special Delivery. Overseas bidders should check with me first before bidding as I have tried to give an indication of cost which may not be accurate, particularly for Asia and the Middle East.
My guess is that the finish was applied using some sort of dipping process. It closely resembles the type of gilt decoration found on some of the more ornate brass and spelter clock cases from the same period. It has been applied to every area except under the cork seal beneath the burner ...frill.
Today many of the aforementioned clock cases exhibit wear and loss of finish and this burner is no different. An 1888 design registration number - 97643 - is stamped onto the obverse rim of the burner body.
The cut crystal winder knob is also interesting because it is the first I’ve seen where the internal back plate retains almost 100% of its bright silver finish showing through. Most have tarnished considerably over the years and look dull gold in appearance.
Condition: I would estimate at 75% gilt finish remaining. Where it remains it is rich and bright and where it has been lost you can see dark tarnished brass showing through. The cut crystal winder knob shows no chipping or damage apart from a minuscule scratch on the facing facet which the camera hasn’t been able to pick up. I mention it only for accuracy. It’s hard to see. The burner functions correctly and all chimney grips are present. There are no dings or dents to the brass surfaces. The double-ended horn toggle is still present on the extinguisher lever, showing the usual grainy surface.
Postage: Within the U.K. I dispatch items via RM Special Delivery. Overseas bidders should check with me first before bidding as I have tried to give an indication of cost which may not be accurate, particularly for Asia and the Middle East.
