Topic: Help with a signature on an oil lamp

[Margi]

This is a very obscure one and unfortunately I do not have a photo.  It is a typical french oil lamp with glass decorated holder.  The signature is very hard to decipher but reads something like BlleuPp.  The glass top tube presumably where the flame goes reads cristaline and then it has what looks like Louis France in a diamond (acid etched) the tube does not appear to match the rest of the item.  My question is and this is why it is obscure would anyone know who the signature could possibly be.  I am still thinking about purchasing it but at 45euros I want to research more on it first.  I may buy it before anyone can throw any possibilities and if I do I shall of course add pictures.

[Margi]

I should also add that the glass stands on top of a nude female figure I think bronze and her arm is risen as if she is holding the glass.

[Frank]

Could be Bénilan who did make parts for oil lamps. Barbou, Boirre and Boudin are other possibles. No reason that the chimney was not made by someone else and possibly St Louis. But of course lighting is not always marked by a glassworks so could be a lighting maker - many of which would be listed primarily for bronze.

[Margi]

I did think that the chimney (thanks for the terminology) could have been St Louis but silly me even though I held a St Louis vase the other day forgot that it wasn't Saint but St.  I think I will wait until I see what I spend at the brocantes on Sunday as to whether I actually purchase or not as I do really like it.  Thank you also for the possible names I am off to research now see if I can find anything on the internet.

[ejean9]

Hi
Dont know if it helps any, but when i find a sig hard to read..i rub over it lightly with chalk..it helps to show the sig..and washes off without any damage being made !

Jean

[Margi]

Hi thanks Jean, it isn't so much reading the signature it is writen in black on the glass it is trying to decipher it if that makes sense

[ejean9]

Hi Margi
Makes sense..do let us know if you find out..
Jean

[Margi]

Managed to get a pic although does not show the sig and it is small.

[Frank]

Chances of finding the glass maker are 10000:1 the sig is either the lampmaker or the decorator. Most you can hope for is a foundry mark on the metal if bronze. Looks a bit grey though.

[Margi]

Oh at least it isn't 1million:1  I must keep trying, It does look rather grey but I do think under all that dirt is nice bronze.  I tend to hang out in junk shops and believe me it is a dirty job but someone has got to do it.  I am such a classy lady  :24: