Hi Eve,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

While brass is a heavy metal, I would not expect these lamps to be quite so heavy unless they were brass-plated, meaning thin sheets of brass were applied on both sides of a more solid metal - probably steel in this case. This was a revolutionary new technology that was developed in the mid 19th century for silver and allowed for both mass production and more affordable and more durable materials.

These are more likely to be solid bronze, which is sometimes more difficult to distinguish but which would account for both the heavy weight and the reddish patina I'm seeing in these photos. I've appraised these as though they're bronze, which will be more valuable than brass plated ones

This model of lamp isn't one that was replicated frequently and has a French Neoclassical aesthetic; they may be marked underneath or in a part of the foot that is difficult to find and see.

Most French bronze table lamps of similar size and aesthetic are currently selling at auction for prices ranging from $600-1,200 but given the detailed decoration on these, the pair would probably sell for between $800 and $1,200.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A pair of French Neoclassical style cast bronze table lamps
unattributed maker, late 19th/early 20th Century
Each of circular section, with flared neck and gadrooned rims, double squared loop handles with pendant rope drops to each shoulder, the tapered bodies with stylized foliate and mask detailing, on a square-section base with scrolled elements. Electrified.
27 inches high
CONDITION: These lamps appear to be in good condition and are reported to be working.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$800-1,200*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia