Appearance is porcelain with wood block as base. Vase is 2 sections of porcelain. Letter N on base and vase. Napoleon? Appearance and aging very old. Woman sitting are opposite on each vase, one facing left, other right.
Vase alone about 10" not including wood base
Hi Frank,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The "N", laurel wreath and Bee are symbols associated with the Napoleon family and reflect their prominence and the legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte, particularly during his reign as Emperor of the French and the subsequent establishment of the Bonaparte dynasty. Today, these symbols remain associated with Napoleon’s legacy and the larger narrative of the Napoleonic era, influencing various cultural and historical interpretations of his rule and family.
The "AR" (looks like AA) mark is that of Claude, established in Paris in the mid 17th Century but which were in production into the 20th Century.
These vases were made in the late 19th Century but it's not known by looking when they were made into lamps.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
Pair of Napoleonic style parcel gilt porcelain vase lamps
made in France, late 19th or early 20th Century
Of circular section with flaring rim, oval body with two shaped gilt handles, tapered body, socle foot, white-painted and parcel gilt wood block base; the white ground with purple and gilt laurel wreaths, gilt bees and a large "N", each with a large medallion depicting a female figure, marked to the underside of the base and "Made in France."
Lamp body approximately 10 inches tall
CONDITION: These vase-lamps appear to be in generally good condition.
PROVENANCE: Unknown
$ 800-1,200 for the pair*
*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
Hi Frank,
Thanks for your note - in the process of converting these to lamps, the vases were likely glued in such a way that they might be damaged if you tried to put them back to vases, and they would not be worth more as vases. If these belonged to me, I'd leave them alone.
I hope that's helpful - please let me know if you have additional items or questions.
Have a great day,
Delia
Great thank you. One question, they were likely converted to lamps? Are the more valuable and desired as just a vase, back to the original form?