Topic: Percival & Vickers Lamp Shade 1897

[BJB]

Hi All,

I have just bought this lampshade today. Until I got it home I didn't realise how old it was ( it was filthy and I couldn't see the reg number). I thought it might be Art Deco.

http://tinypic.com/52aw0j

So imagine my suprise when I washed it and found the reg number 305840. I just wondered how common these are. In Jenny Thompson's book they are said to be for "electric lamps", so they must have been on the cutting edge of technology! I know our village didn't get on the mains until well into the 1900's, and as for indoor plumbing......

Barbara (who isn't as old as this makes her sound!)

[Bernard C]

Hi Barbara,

I'm surprised it has the reg number on it.   I have had three unmarked PV lampshades through my hands, two as lampshades and one (168130) as a vase, mounted on a silverplate stand.   All three were the acorn shape, supported by screws from a top ring, unlike yours which is supported by the lampholder.

Prior to your find I had assumed that PV had not used the reg number as it could create a hot spot when lit.

Is it all press-moulded, or is there some cutting on it?

Nice find.   Please let me know if you ever decide to part with it.

Bernard C.  

[BJB]

Hi Bernard,

Its on ebay now  and if you look closely on the large picture the number is just under the hole facing you.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7322768374

I really don't know if its all pressed, I did think that the pattern was cut as it is quite sharp to the touch, but as I have not seen one before I didn't like to speculate too much!

It is in very good order, so I don't know how much use it had :lol:

Barbara

[Bernard C]

Barbara — Most or all of the pattern is pressed.    Your lampshade is a typical example of the high quality of Manchester pressed glass.    You can tell it is pressed because the pattern incorporates inside corners that could not have been cut with an abrasive wheel.    If your lampshade had been cut, I would expect to find it on the rim as a finishing process.   You can easily tell; cut and polished surfaces show evidence of striation not found on pressed surfaces.

Bernard C.  

[Anne]

Barbara, do you still have the pic of this lampshade please? If so, could you add it back for reference. Many thanks.