Vintage Austrian Viennese Secessionist Argentor Werke Ofner Table Lamp C1905
Fine Arts, Antiques and Collectibles. This is an extremely rare early 20th century Austrian Viennese table lamp made by. The silvered metal lamp has a single-light with a large domed frosten clear glass shade and crystal rods. The shade is supported by an openwork hoop with three organic form sinuous curved arms turning into legs on a large base. Marked under base: ARGENTOR A. The origin of the firm dates to 1863 when Carl Adalbert Münchmeyer and Ernst Rust founded C. The firm was specialised in silver and gold plating metal objects through galvanic process. Factories were opened in Berlin managed by C. Münchmeyer, Vienna (managed by Ernst Rust and Adolf Wilhelm Hetzel) and Paris. Argentor-Werke Rust & Hetzel, founded in 1902 and managed by Georg Ferdinand Rust and Adolf Wilhelm Hetzel, became one of the most important metalware manufacturers of Viennese Art Nouveau movement. Production included not only silver cutlery, bowls, centerpieces, tea and coffee services, but also home furnishings such as frames, clocks, electric lamps, vases and flower holders. Of particular interest were the frames manufactured by Argentor to mount the iridescent glass vases made by the famous Johan Loetz glass factory. The company was very successful and produced hundreds of models for worldwide export, obtaining the award of supplier of Austro-Hungarian Imperial House.
Branches were active in Budapest and Brno. Argentor-Werke survived WWII but continued to suffer increasing financial losses until the closure in 1970. Total height: 20 inch or 50cm. Very good overall condition, no breaks and damage to the metal and shade. The surfaces have some scratches consistent with age and use.
Some minor stains and traces soiling concentrated to the recessed contours of the design consistent with age. "NO RE-PLATED" Wiring has been replaced with new period reproduction rayon covered style cord. The on-of push button and the plug have perhaps 100 years old, and are in working order, but it has darkened a bit from age.
Very Good original condition, no c. Condition reports are rendered as opinion and not as statements of fact and does not imply that there are no condition issues or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Please see the super-size pictures for look the piece in detail and if you requir it contact me for more information about this piece. You agree that the description is solely our opinion. We will do our best to keep all costs at a minimum. 0.00 (USA & Canada).