Pair of French Bouillotte Lamps, Silvered Metal with Teal Tole Shades, Empire Style, 1950s

A bouillotte lamp's defining feature isn't the candle arms themselves but the mechanism above them: a rod and ring that lets the shade slide up or down, originally so a card player could lower it as the candles burned shorter and kept the glare out of everyone's eyes. This pair keeps that adjustable rod fully intact, still functional for raising or lowering the shade to taste.

Below the shade, each base follows the classic three-arm form on a trefoil (three-lobed) dish, with fluted column stems rising from the drip-tray base to the candle-style fittings. The teal painted tole shades sit on top, trimmed in a fine gold border — tole being sheet metal finished with paint and lacquer rather than left bare, a technique long used specifically for lamp shades of this form because it holds up to heat and handling better than fabric.

The silvered metal has developed a dark, even patina across both bases, and the tole shades show only minor age wear — small paint marks consistent with genuine use rather than damage. Sold as a true matched pair, they suit flanking a bed, a console, or a pair of side tables.

It arrives professionally packed and fully insured — we handle the paperwork and worldwide shipping, with your choice of plug fitted to your country at no extra charge. Returns are accepted within 30 days.

Details
Materials: silvered metal, painted tole shades with gold trim
Dimensions (per lamp): height 55 cm (21.7 in), width 28 cm (11 in)
Style: French Bouillotte, Empire style
Set: pair, three-arm candelabra base each
Electrical: plug fitted to your country at no extra charge
Condition: good vintage condition, minor age wear to the shades

Condition details available on request.

Electrical details available on request.

Shipping details available on request.

Please see our returns policy.

Provenance details available on request.