A Fabergé silver and bowenite table lamp, workmaster Julius Rappoport, St Petersburg, 1899-1908

en suite with the previous lot, with original silver neck and socket, re-wired, struck with workmaster's initials and Fabergé in Cyrillic beneath Imperial Warrant, 88 standard, scratched inventory number 8040

Private collection, Europe

The original bulb fitting is mounted to accommodate a more modern light bulb. There are scratches to the silver base. Minor nicks to the rim of the bowenite base. In good overall condition consistent with age and use.
"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."

These lamps, originally intended and almost certainly sold by Fabergé as a pair with the same scratched inventory numbers, are reunited here after having been separated early in their history.  Lot 505 remained in a private collection in Europe where it was passed down through generations with the original silver fittings preserved; lot 504 changed hands several times and was most recently in an important American collection.

 

Electrical systems for domestic use first appeared in St Petersburg in the 1880s; some early Fabergé electric lamps were used in the private rooms of members of the Imperial Family.  Most such lamps were the work of Julius Rappoport, who specialised in making functional pieces.  For comparable lamps by Rappoport, see Sotheby's London, 28 November 2006, lot 269 and Christie's London 29 November 2006, lot 110.