Posted 6 years ago
TreasureTex
(222 items)
I found this antique brass sconce on Craigslist today. While talking to the seller, he suggested that I look at another "older sconce" that he might sell me that was made around 1900. I don't suppose that this seller noticed the date stamp on the back of this piece reading, "1861".
I am wondering what style this one is because I looked up Eastlake and that period began in 1870, after this was made. Might this style be Louis XVI or do you know otherwise?
This piece reminded me of French Empire style, as in Napoleon and his successors. The geometric shapes, the fine detail, the swags, and the laurel crown.
Here is a frame for auction, which has some similar features,
https://www.loveantiques.com/miscellaneous/picture-frame/antique-bronze-empire-style-10-1-2-photo-frame-c1880-110369
I can't help but wonder if the "1861" on its back isn't so much a date as a 'model number' or something. It *does* strike me as 'Eastlake' style, but I'm admittedly nobody's authority on such stuff...??
Thank you all for the input!
That just adds to the mystery. I was afraid that someone might question the numbers on back that I was assuming were a date. I just added a picture that includes little photo frame that I have that is for sure Napoleon, just to see if they look similar.
What is Eastlake style?
The number did not really affect my opinion, as Napoleon I, ruled his empire 1802 I think, and his descendants, Napoleon II and III, were later during that century.
France had a chaotic political climate since Louis the XVI was beheaded with most of the French aristocracy about 20 years before during the French Revolution.
When I say Empire style, it could be either different periods during 19th century, or reproductions later in 19th century, this happened a lot. I am not an expert either. I do find this interesting in the historical context. Thanks.
You may not be an expert but you sure reminded me that I didn't pay attention in school. You are a very smart person "truthordare" and I really appreciate your sharing what you do know as it does help.
Nice of you to say TreasureTex, I laugh at the different history classes we all got in high school, I'm sure it was the same for you. Depended on where you were and what mattered to the community.
I love books, historical novels, so that is a great source of information, and more recent for the memory, lol.