19th Century Ormolu Wall Lights, Set of 2

This is a superb pair of highly decorative French ormolu three-light girandoles, circa 1870 in date. Each is cartouche shaped, with Apollo finials and Pan terminals. The foliate cast and scrolling arms terminating in conforming sconces, the quality and craftsmanship is absolutely superb. Later wired for electricity and in working order. Add an elegant touch to your home with this fantastic French gitandoles. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 52 x width 36 x depth 20 Dimensions in inches: Height 20.5 x width 14.2 x depth 7.9 Ormolu – (from French ‘or moulu’, signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze. The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-colored veneer known as ‘gilt bronze’. The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object. After circa 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury other techniques were used instead. Electroplating is the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used on silver, to produce silver-gilt.