What is a converted lamp?

A converted lamp is an antique candlestick or oil lamp that has been professionally adapted to take an electrical fitting. This process retains the original metalwork while adding modern functionality for the home. Many Victorian and earlier pieces on the market have undergone this conversion to suit contemporary domestic lighting needs without losing their period character.

How do I identify a bouillotte lamp?

A bouillotte lamp is recognised by its distinctive central column rising from a shallow dish base, accompanied by a sliding toleware shade. The shade directs light downwards onto a desk or table. Originating in France, these pieces often incorporate gilt bronze or brass and feature multiple candle arms converted for electricity.

Are these pieces solid brass?

While many items are cast from solid brass, others combine brass with bronze, gilt metal, or weighted bases for stability. Eighteenth-century examples may even utilise paktong rather than standard brass. Checking the weight and examining the construction details reveals whether a piece is solid cast or assembled from plated components.

How do I date a brass lamp?

Dating relies on stylistic markers such as the proportions of a corinthian column, the presence of seamed construction, or distinct decorative motifs from periods like Art Deco or the Edwardian era. Makers' stamps, wiring types, and secondary materials like opaline glass or marble also provide reliable clues to a piece's age of manufacture.