Tole Lantern This is truly a remarkable example of a master tinsmith's talents. The design is composed of nine curved elements very well formed and mating perfectly with one another without bent overlapping seams or soldered tabs. The tin reflector inside back piece is beautifully decorated with stamp work. Working from both sides to make alternately raised and impressed lines and starting from a circle 27 "Rays" or radii extend approximately four inches to a circumference. Every second ray is stamped from the same side, the ones in between being stamped from the reverse side. A semi-circular punch is then used to create a circumference, stamped from inside out to create a large blossom effect of 26 petals resulting in a large and impressive decoration to the reflector. The original glass panes are set into narrow tin frames leaving an unhindered look at the inside area. Air venting is provided by six elongated cutout stamped holes over every frame with a circular hole stamped out between each pair. The finish is a matte sea foam green paint softened by its aging patina . . . wonderful original surface. Each major panel has a yellow pinstripe within its edge, creating a repetition of its tin form when the stripe reaches its starting point. The bottom of the lamp is enclosed but not painted. This allows the lamp to be placed on any table or flat area. It is my belief that is how it was used (free standing), though it could have just as easily be hung on a wall. In addition the top assembly comes so easily to grip by putting one's palm on the top and closing one's fingers around it. It is a light weight . . . a pound or less (est). Please note also the half circle cuts which make the border along the tops of all three panes. The front pane is a tightly filled tin bound hinged door to access the crimped tin saucer candle holder inside which is solder attached so it won't slide when the lamp is lifted and moved. After all this I can't say it speaks for itself, but to say "to see it is to love it" is certainly appropo. All this work to create a windproof candle holder must put its origin prior to the whale oil era . . . likely late 18th Century. I would further surmise this talented tinsmith was engaged in producing fine wall sconces of similarly complex radial stampings. Dimensions are 11-1/4" wide x 18" high x 5-1/4" deep. P5H1602008
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