Gorham Company, attributed to

leaded glass, gilt bronze, the tapered fluted stem above a circular base cast with four ram heads joined by garlands

Karl Nister, by repute purchased in Chicago early 20th Century
By Descent
Current Owner, acquired 1975

A very fine floor lamp of good appearance. Around nine glass panels to the upper edge of the shade have split away from the circular inner frame which holds the shade in place. These show traces of old soldering which have since separated again. This will need attention for the lamp to be stable. A professional restorer in London has given the provisional cost of this restoration to be in the area of £500-800 +VAT, subject to inspection and confirmation. The shade is illuminated by eight lights. There are a number of panels with hairline cracks but the overall condition of the panels is good with rich vibrant deep colours. Minor old marks and scratches. Not guaranteed or tested for electricity. Base of metal rod within the stem with partially obscured label ' ***** Circular Loom Co, **** Duct, Trade Mark, ***** Mass.'. Base weighted with a metal insert. Please contact the department about further information on the objects accompanying the standard lamp. A good quality and unusual piece of good stature
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Karl Nister, owner of a chromolithograph firm, reputedly bought the current lot in Chicago in the early 20th Century. The lot is sold with period photographs showing the lamp in situ in Nister's home in Nuremburg, Germany, an oil painting of Nister (dated 1907) by Friedrich Raupp and a copy of W.Henry Hill et al, Antonio Stradivari: His Life and Work, London 1902, which mentions Nister in the preface.

The Gorham Company of Providence, Rhode Island, was established in 1831. Although famed for their silverwork they are known to have created complex small piece leaded shades in the early 20th century. The calibre of the stem and base on this lot is also consistent with their high quality output. 

The current lot will be featured in the forthcoming book Mosaic Shades III by Paul Crist which is currently in preparation. Sotheby's would like to thank Paul Crist for his assistance with the cataloguing of this lot.