The origin of my research
My lucerna (oil lamp) is 104cm high (more than 40in) and weighs 2500gr (more than 80oz). The silver is not sterling but has the lower silver content typical of Continental Europe and Italy (probably 889/1000 used in Rome after Pope's Reinstatement of 1815). The lamp is in neo-classical style, with a circular base, floral motifs, and is weighted in the base with molded wood.
  The oil reservoir has similar foliar motifs with four wick spouts in the form of female heads, with chains from which hang tweezers, a probe and wick-trimming scissors. The rod has two acorn and a vase shaped element to cover the reservoir. The finial is in the form of a lyre. Holes drilled for electrification are present in the base, reservoir and rod. The finial, broken and roughly welded, was repaired to perfection by an expert Italian silvesmith. The lamp is hallmarked on each of its elements (wick-trimmer, probe and tweezers included) with the Papal State hallmark (a shield with a tiara and a pair of crossed keys). The hallmark shown below is not an exact copy as I was unable to find an identical one. |
Repair of finial was performed perfectly by silversmith Sfriso. Sfriso is an ancient Venetian firm. Recently on a Canadian auction I saw a pitcher produced by Sfriso - Venezia around 1940. I plan to use this firm when I repair the holes made to electrify the lamp.