Silver Plated Urn-Form Oil Lamp Base with Lion-Mask Ring Handles

Silver-coloured metal oil-lamp or table-lamp base.
Urn-shaped body on a circular pedestal foot.
Decorated with scrolling panels and lion-mask ring handles.
Stepped upper section with a threaded central fitting.
Underside marked “Wellbeck Plate” and “Alexander Clark”.

Approximate dimensions

Height – 165mm (6.5")

Condition

The silver-coloured surface has areas of tarnish, spotting and discolouration and may be polished if preferred. The upper threaded fitting is exposed.

Description

A silver-plated oil-lamp or table-lamp base formed as a classical urn, with a rounded body supported on a short waisted pedestal and broad circular foot.

The body has a smooth reflective finish and a continuous decorative band around the upper section. This is divided into arched panels outlined with raised scrolls, fan-shaped details, pendant leaves and small circular bosses.

Three applied lion-mask mounts are arranged around the body. Each mask is modelled in relief with a textured mane and holds a freely suspended circular ring in its mouth.

The upper section is formed as a shallow stepped dome. A vertically fluted collar surrounds a short, externally threaded central neck with an open bore. Two small circular apertures are positioned beside the central fitting.

The circular foot has concentric stepped mouldings and a recessed underside. The base is stamped “Wellbeck Plate” in script, together with “ALEXANDER CLARK”, “MAKER”, “138”, “OXFORD”, “ST” and “LONDON”.

Urn-form lamp bases with classical ornament and animal-mask ring handles were produced as decorative domestic lighting fittings during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. The threaded upper neck was intended to receive the associated burner or lamp fitting.

Object Type: Oil Lamp Base
Age: 1900–1940
Era / Period: Late Victorian to Edwardian
Material: Silver-Plated Metal
Finish: Polished
Production Technique: Pressed and Assembled
Decoration Technique: Applied and Embossed
Style: Classical Revival

Oil Lamp Base Silver Plated Urn Lion Mask Ring Handles Wellbeck Plate