Can anyone help with a French lamp?

[lindasguy]

Hi everyone. I found this at a thrift shop and had to get it. I normally stay away from lamps but this one caught my eye. Not sure if it's ugly or awesome yet lol. The base is brass with a plaque that reads LAMPE A MODERATEUR FAR BREVET D'INVENTION ET DE PERFECTIONNEMENT. Then a wood block above that then the brass harp looking candelabra. I've searched for the plaque and all I find is a column lamp for sale from hacienda. I've looked for harp lamps to no avail. I even searched the old Canadian mail order books someone posted on here hoping. Could anyone tell anything about this? Is that actually a harp? Does the shade match it? What time period it is from? What kind of value is this worth?(Did I spend too much for it)? Any help or comments would be greatly appreciated.

[mfrog]

If you start to research "lyre" lamp instead of harp, you should have better luck.  The plaque reads "Lamp has patent for invention and development". 

[lindasguy]

Thank you so much. Still haven't found anything like it but I'm on the right track now!

[KC]

mfrog is correct about the term lyre.  Lyre furniture/fixtures became more prevalent in the Empire period (late 1800's) and still remains popular.  Can you pose a pic of the lamp fixtures and cording?  Am betting it is from mid 1990's and wasn't a functioning lyre...was a decorative piece.

[mart]

The lyre was used during the 30`s in many of the Duncan Phyfe repros !! I think your lamp is from that time period !!

[regularjoe2]

I'd go along with the "lyre , lyre , pants on fire" opinions on your lamp , lindasguy .

I'll also guess the first half of 20th century .... as to value , if it's got original silk-wrapped lampcord & a 'period-true' socket & switch (if it's a working unit , that is) , that's a big plus !

[lindasguy]

Thanks for all the help so far guys. And KC, as far as the wiring I'd guess it's been reworked before but a while ago. I got some pix here for you. Thanks everyone!

[fancypants]

Yikes !

I'd have to say that it is really , really time to rewire this unit , in the event you're planning on using &/or selling it !

Cool lamp anyway .

It's often good to notify the buyer , prior to cash-in-hand , that your item is sold as-is , with no assurace that it's safe to plug in & etc. ......

Just sayin' .

[lindasguy]

Well it was working fine believe it or not until tonight when I went to turn it on and crack! from the switch. So I guess I'll agree with you on the rewiring thing lol.

[KC]

Electrical parts made after 1906 (when co started)  Still believe 1940ish.

[lindasguy]

Thanks KC. Without a doubt, you are a HERO member 

[greenacres]

http://www.auctionzip.com/aflive.html?method=getLotInfo&lotref=A59442E39C&seq=142
 You should bid. It matches your lamp!

[lindasguy]

It most certainly does greenacres! Way too cool! I could only imagine what they would charge to get that sucker all the way down the coast! By the way, I'm thinking about listing the  lamp on ebay. Anyone have any thoughts about if I should do anything to it or just leave it as is? Any suggestions as for a starting bid? Thanks!

[mart]

Yes !! Go over that wood with some old english !!

[lindasguy]

Thanks mart! I started rewiring and decided to take it apart to wipe everything down and voilla! It seems to be an identifying mark of some kind. Here's a pic of it and one of the way the lamp sits now. I haven't found anything about the mark or numbers yet (they were on top of the brass base under the wood block mart told me to clean lol). I was considering polishing the brass and copper but I think I'll hold off on that notion for now.