Antique Amethyst Owl & Shield Converted Lamps, Attributed to Boston & Sandwich—Pair

Details

Description

A striking matched pair of antique amethyst pressed-glass “Owl and Shield” oil lamps, conservatively attributed to the Boston & Sandwich … Read more A striking matched pair of antique amethyst pressed-glass “Owl and Shield” oil lamps, conservatively attributed to the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company and dating to approximately 1860–1880. Subsequently professionally converted into corded electric table lamps, both lights were recently tested and are functioning properly.

The saturated amethyst glass changes dramatically with the light, appearing nearly black-plum in shadow and revealing rich violet, berry and wine tones where illuminated. One lamp is slightly brighter and more translucent than its deeper-toned companion, an appealing variation consistent with antique colored glass.

Each upper reservoir is encircled by a raised band of rounded bosses above richly molded vertical panels. Circular diamond-point medallions, shield-shaped reserves, graduated droplets and contrasting stippled textures create the intricate design traditionally known by collectors as “Owl and Shield.”

The deeply pressed ornament captures and reflects light across the glass, giving the lamps considerable visual dimension even when unlit. Their compact scale and unusually saturated color make them equally compelling as functional lighting and as sculptural decorative objects.

Much of the historic oil-lamp hardware remains incorporated into the conversion. The antique brass burner and pierced gallery assemblies retain their adjustable shade-support fingers, while modern medium-base sockets have been installed within the former burner openings.

Each projecting knurled knob now operates its lamp as a rotary electrical switch. Turning the knob switches the corresponding light on or off. This discreet adaptation preserves the appearance of the antique burner controls while providing practical modern operation.

The electrical cords are routed externally beside the upper glass reservoirs and into the converted burner assemblies, avoiding visible drilling through the antique amethyst glass. The lamps are now intended exclusively for electric use and should not be filled with oil or kerosene.

Below each reservoir, a turned brass standard rises from a molded amethyst-glass pedestal. The glass pedestal rests on a square black marble plinth animated by dramatic ochre, rust, cream and pale-gray veining.

One underside retains a fragmentary paper label reading “Fine Marble Base—Made in Italy,” documenting the Italian origin of the marble component. The label does not indicate that the American pressed-glass lamp bodies were manufactured in Italy.

The relationship between jewel-toned glass, time-darkened brass and richly veined marble gives this pair tremendous decorative depth. Their modest proportions make them particularly useful on bedside tables, a writing desk, library console, small commode or pair of end tables.

Gathered or pleated fabric shades would emphasize their Victorian and Grandmillennial character. Parchment shades would provide a quieter architectural presentation, while patterned or dark paper shades could give them a more dramatic designer finish. Final shade dimensions should be selected to fit the surviving gallery supports.

These lamps would coordinate beautifully with mahogany, walnut, botanical prints, paisley, velvet, needlepoint, lacquerware and antique brass. Their deep amethyst color would also create a sophisticated counterpoint to blue-and-white porcelain, celadon ceramics and warm gilt frames.

A distinctive functional pair combining scarce-colored American pressed glass, recognizable Victorian pattern work, antique brass hardware and veined Italian marble bases.

ATTRIBUTION, DATING AND CONSTRUCTION
The “Owl and Shield” pattern identification is supported by closely comparable examples documented by specialist auction houses. Published examples are generally dated circa 1860–1880 and are attributed either specifically to the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company or more broadly to Boston & Sandwich Glass Company and other contemporary American manufacturers.

No factory marks were observed on the glass. Because published maker attributions are not completely uniform, this pair is cataloged conservatively as attributed to Boston & Sandwich rather than definitively maker-marked.

The circa-1860–1880 date applies most securely to the pressed-glass components and original oil-lamp form. The sockets, cords, plugs and electrical switching components are later additions associated with the professional conversion.

The retained brass galleries preserve the adjustable fingers originally used to support glass shades. Their knurled projecting controls now function as the lamps’ rotary electrical switches.

The modern socket interiors are stamped “250W 250V.” This is the socket manufacturer’s component rating rather than a recommendation to use a 250-watt bulb. The lamps are configured for standard US 120V service; appropriately sized low-heat bulbs should be selected according to the shades used.

The surviving “Fine Marble Base—Made in Italy” label documents the origin of the marble plinth on which it appears. It does not establish the origin of the pressed glass or the date of the electrical conversion.

Item type: Converted Light
Sold as: Pair
Original function: Oil lamps
Current function: Electric table lamps
Lamp shades included: No
Glass chimneys included: No
Number of lights: One per lamp
Power source: Corded electric
Operating voltage: Standard US 120V
Socket type: Standard medium base
Switch type: Rotary on/off switch at gallery
Harps included: No
Bulbs included: No
Finials included: No
Professionally rewired: Yes
Original condition: No—original oil-lamp design converted to electricity
Working condition: Both recently tested and functioning
Country of origin: United States
Component origin: Marble bases made in Italy

SEO KEYWORDS
antique amethyst glass lamps, pair of purple glass lamps, Owl and Shield lamp, Boston Sandwich glass lamp, attributed Boston and Sandwich, antique pressed glass lighting, Victorian oil lamp conversion, electrified antique oil lamps, amethyst EAPG lamps, Early American pattern glass, antique purple table lamps, Italian marble base lamps, marble and brass lamps, Victorian table lamp pair, Grandmillennial lighting, traditional bedroom lamps, designer antique lighting, jewel tone table lamps, plum glass lamps, purple glass bedside lamps, converted kerosene lamps, antique brass gallery lamps, American pressed glass lamps, 19th century glass lighting, Victorian parlor lamps, collected traditional interior, matching antique lamps, converted light pair. See less