Empire-Style Patinated and Gilt Metal Table Lamp, Dolphin Tripod on Lion-Paw Base, Converted Candelabra

Candelabra were among the most frequently electrified objects of the nineteenth century, precisely because their form suited it so well: a single vertical socket at the top, a stable weighted base below, and enough sculptural interest to stand alone on a mantel or side table once the candle arm was gone. Empire-period design gave candlestick makers a particularly rich vocabulary to work from, drawing on classical and marine motifs — dolphins, lion paws, laurel, acanthus — that read as easily on a lamp base today as they did on a candlestick two centuries ago.

This example is worked as a bicolor piece, combining a darker patinated metal for the upper column and figural work with a brighter gilt metal for the lower base. A tapering, acanthus-collared socket sits atop a triform support formed as three dolphin figures, their bodies curving down to meet a shaped, arched base plate raised on lion-paw feet. Note how the two metal tones are used deliberately rather than incidentally — the darker patina picks out the modeled dolphin and leaf work, while the gilt base and feet catch the light at floor level, a contrast typical of Empire candlestick and lamp design meant to be seen from above.

The piece reaches us in good condition, with wear consistent with its age and long use, most visible as light surface rubbing across the higher points of the patina. It was originally made as a candlestick and has since been converted for electric use, a common and accepted history for pieces of this type. Placed on a bedside table or at one end of a mantel, it reads as a piece of sculpture that happens to give light.

Worked in a combination of patinated and gilt metal, the lamp is compact and freestanding rather than heavy in the hand, well suited to a side table where its dolphin and paw-foot detailing can be appreciated at close range. Every piece we send is professionally packed by hand, fully insured, and shipped worldwide with all import duties and tariffs already paid on our side — there is nothing further for you to settle when it arrives.

DETAILS:
Size: 29 cm / 11.4 in — roughly the height of a standard wine bottle
Material: patinated metal and gilt metal
Style-Period: Empire style
Shipping: professionally packed by hand, fully insured, worldwide — we handle the paperwork, with all import duties and tariffs paid by us; nothing to settle on delivery
Electrical: fully rewired and checked through our workshop before dispatch, plug or adapter fitted for your country, delivered working and ready to use
Condition: good condition, wear consistent with age and use, originally a candlestick and later converted to electric lamp
Lampshade: sold without a shade — leaving you free to choose one that suits your room
Returns: accepted within 30 days

Read our condition standard. Please ask if you need additional photographs or measurements.

Worldwide delivery is included in the price. Every piece is individually packed, tracked and fully insured. No shipping charge is added at checkout. If your destination is not listed, please contact us before ordering.

Maison Jaspers pays US tariffs and import duties. For other destinations, local import taxes and duties may apply and are payable by the recipient. Contact us before ordering if you need destination-specific guidance.

Dispatch timing is shown above. Transit time depends on your destination.

Delivery information

Notify us within 30 days of delivery if you wish to return a piece. No reason is required. You pay return shipping for a change-of-mind return.

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