A pair of French gilt bronze caryatid lamps
Late 19th century; France
Each with the "Reduction Mecanique a Collas Brevete" medallion stamped on the back of the figures
Two dual socketed lamps with Classical female figural bronzes, each atop a dark green marble pedestal and four lion's feet gilt bronze mounts, electrified, 2 pieces
Each: 34.5" H x 8" W x 8" D
Other Notes: Achille Collas (1795n1859) was a French engineer, inventor, writer and engraver who developed a machine to copy sculptures at a smaller scale, the so-called "reduction mechanique," which popularized small sculptures and has been credited with being almost entirely responsible for "the transformation of the bronze industry." In 1838, he started a company together with Ferdinand Barbedienne, the "SociEtE Collas et Barbedienne," for the production and marketing of reduced copies of sculptures in different materials ranging from plaster and wood to bronze and ivory. The 'reduction mecanique a collas brevete' medallion became the foundry mark of his company.

Each overall good condition with scattered scuffs, light scratches, and oxidation commensurate with age. Losses and rubbed wear to the gilt finish throughout on each lamp. As well, one lamp has chips to the three of the corners of the marble base. The same lamp that has the marble chips is also missing its finial. Additionally, each lamp appears to have been augmented at some point with the additional of a lacquered cylinder of wood between the bronze figure and the marble base. Possibly converted from candelabrum circa the 1920s-30s. The lacquered surface on this cylinder of wood is cracked and flacking off on each lamp. On the lamp with the more severe flaking, the bronze is loose from its mount to the wood cylinder. Wiring should be checked by a qualified electrician prior to use. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.