Description: Solid Brass 'Paris to Istanbul' Orient Express railway carriage lamp Circa 1920 - 1945 Ref.#MA-19
Maker: W. Redman, England
Date: Difficult to date accurately, but, likely to be between 1920-1945
History: The Orient Express was the name given to the long-distance passenger train operated by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-hits. Often referred to as the 'World's Most Glamorous Train' and 'The King of The Rails', it was the inspiration of a certain Georges Nagelmacker who was the founder of the company in 1883. Originally called the "Express d'Orient', it changed its name to the "Orient Express" in 1891. The train originally ran from Paris to Giurgiu in Romania, via Munich and Vienna. From Romania, the passengers were transported by ferry across the Danube to Ruse in Bulgaria where they caught another train to Varna. At Varna, they were then ferried yet again to Istanbul - or, what was known as Constantinople in those days. In 1889 the train made the first non-stop run direct to Istanbul. The train had a rather checkered career, it stopped running in 1914 due to World War1, resumed again in 1919 only to stop once more in 1939. It was reopened in 1945 and ran until 1962. Its heyday was in the 1920-1930 years, and transported European Royalty, Heiresses, International spies and the odd criminal and murderer!It inspired six major films, nineteen books and even a foxtrot. No other train possessed such an aura of romance, opulence or intrigue!!
Marks/Observations: Makers name, W. Redman, made in England to be found on base of lamp. Converted to electricity. Look on the internet, and you will find numerous 'similar' lamps, all copies, and made originally in Taiwan. BUT, look carefully, and you will see they are brass plated and were made for electricity, having a switch to turn it on. You will see the plaque, stating "Paris to Istanbul" usually is painted with a green enamel and is pop-riveted to the lamp. The glass funnel is not heat-proof and the whole lamp, being brass plated, will show tarnish marks. The lamp offered above is in solid brass, the plaque is soldered into place and evidence of its original use as a paraffin lamp can be clearly seen, with the two levers (adjusters) for the wicks still in place, including the lever on the opposite side used originally to 'kill' the flame.
Condition: Very good throughout, the glass funnel shows no damage
Dimensions: The lamp weighs 2.40 kilo, it stands 50 cm high, and its large, fully adjustable shade measures 26 cm in diameter.
Price: R1200.00 (globe not included)
Courier & Packing: R170.00
Please note, I am NOT a qualified archaeologist/antiquarian and the description I have given is based on research of the subject.
This is a genuine antique. Please remember the classification of an 'antique' is that it should be 100 years old, OR MORE.
Terms: We offer a strict three-day approval period from the date the parcel reaches you. Refunds/credits are based on the cost of the article, NOT including delivery charges. Please advise us within this period whether you would like to return any article for a refund/credit. Although we pride ourselves in our packing, the buyer remains responsible for loss, non-arrival or damage to goods being sent to, or returned.
