Bidspirit auction | Late 19th Century French Lampe

Late 19th Century French Lampe de Travail by H. Peigniet Changy and Cie - A French ceramic and brass student desk lamp, originally designed as an oil lamp and subsequently converted for electrical use. The lamp is constructed with a vibrant blue-glazed ceramic body, possibly faience, featuring a dual-reservoir design. The vertical brass support rod is notched to allow for height adjustment of the lighting assembly. The burner assembly is topped with an opaque white glass globular shade, a dark blue painted metal conical reflector, and a clear glass chimney. A circular white enameled label is applied to the top of the reservoir cap, which is printed with a central logo of a ringed globe and the words MARQUE DE FABRIQUE. The label reads LAMPE DE TRAVAIL BREVETE S.G.D.G. around the upper edge, France and ETRANGER in the center, and H. PEIGNIET CHANGY & Cie along the bottom curve. A brass burner adjustment knob features an embossed sunburst motif. The lamp has been modified with an internal electrical cord that exits through the base. Height: 20.5 inches to the top of the chimney as measured by the wooden ruler (photo 5). The blue ceramic glaze exhibits widespread fine surface crazing and multiple areas of pitting and glaze loss, notably around the lower edges of the reservoir (photo 1). Significant oxidation, tarnishing, and green verdigris are visible on all brass components, particularly where the burner assembly meets the ceramic neck (photo 3). The blue painted metal reflector shows scattered paint loss and surface scratches (photo 1). The electrical wiring is of an older type; the insulation shows wear, and the lamp has not been tested for functional safety. Rewiring by a professional is required.