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THE SHACKLETON FOX ENCYCLOPAEDIA

The Shackleton Fox Encyclopaedia

An A–Z guide to antiques, decorative arts & collecting terms.
A growing reference library designed to help collectors, interior designers and antique enthusiasts better understand objects, materials, makers, periods and craftsmanship.
ABOUT THE ENCYCLOPAEDIA

A trusted reference for collectors and connoisseurs.

Explore the language, materials and craftsmanship behind antiques and the decorative arts. Browse alphabetically, search for a specific term, or filter by subject. Each entry connects you to related definitions and broader areas of collecting knowledge.
A—Z
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The A–Z Reference Library

Lighting

129 terms

A

Acid-Etched Glass

GlassLighting

Acid-etched glass is glass that has been decorated by applying acid to its surface to create a smooth, frosted or satin finish. This technique became particularly popular during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, especially throughout the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. Acid

Adjustable Standard Lamp

Lighting

An adjustable standard lamp is a freestanding floor lamp designed with a movable stem, arm or shade, allowing the direction and height of the light to be altered. Popular from the late nineteenth century onwards, adjustable standard lamps were commonly used in libraries, studies and

Arc Lamp

Lighting

An arc lamp is an early form of electric lighting that produces illumination by creating an electrical arc between two carbon electrodes. Introduced during the nineteenth century, arc lamps were initially used for street lighting, industrial buildings and public spaces before becoming an important milestone

Argand Lamp

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The Argand lamp is a revolutionary oil lamp invented in 1780 by the Swiss physicist Aimé Argand. Featuring a circular wick positioned between two concentric tubes and a glass chimney to improve airflow, the Argand lamp produced a brighter, cleaner and more efficient flame than

Astral Lamp

Lighting

An astral lamp is a type of elegant oil lamp introduced during the early nineteenth century, distinguished by its broad circular reservoir positioned around the central burner. Designed to improve stability and provide a consistent supply of oil, the astral lamp was both practical and

B

Banker's Lamp

Lighting

A Banker\'s Lamp is a desk lamp characterised by its distinctive horizontal green glass shade mounted on a brass stem and weighted base. Originally developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries for banks, libraries and professional offices, the design provides focused downward illumination

Banquet Lamp

Lighting

A Banquet Lamp is an elegant oil lamp popular during the Victorian period, distinguished by its tall, slender column supporting a glass oil reservoir positioned above the burner. Designed to provide extended illumination for dining and entertaining, banquet lamps were often crafted from brass, bronze,

Bayonet Cap

Lighting

A Bayonet Cap, often abbreviated to BC or B22, is a type of light bulb fitting that secures the bulb using two opposing pins which locate into slots within the lamp holder before being twisted into place. Developed in the late nineteenth century, the bayonet

Bell Jar Lantern

Lighting

A Bell Jar Lantern is a hanging ceiling lantern enclosed within a large bell-shaped glass shade, typically suspended from a decorative brass or bronze gallery. Popular during the Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods, bell jar lanterns were originally designed to protect candles and later oil

Bouillotte Lamp

Lighting

A Bouillotte Lamp is a French table lamp originally designed to illuminate the popular eighteenth-century card game \'Bouillotte\'. Characterised by a circular base, multiple candle arms and an adjustable painted metal shade, the design allowed the light to be directed onto the playing table while

Brass Chandelier

Lighting

A Brass Chandelier is a ceiling-mounted light fitting crafted predominantly from brass, designed to support multiple candle, oil, gas or electric light sources. Brass chandeliers have been produced since the seventeenth century and became especially popular during the Georgian, Victorian and Arts & Crafts periods.

Brass Gallery

Lighting

A Brass Gallery is a decorative pierced or solid brass collar fitted around the top of a lamp base, vase or table centrepiece. Originally designed to support a glass shade, oil reservoir or decorative fitting, brass galleries also protect delicate materials such as porcelain, marble

Brass Lamp Base

Lighting

A Brass Lamp Base is the structural foundation of a table or floor lamp, crafted predominantly from solid brass. Antique brass lamp bases vary considerably in style, from elegant Corinthian columns and candlesticks to highly decorative Victorian and French designs. Valued for their strength, durability

Brass Shade Carrier

Lighting

A Brass Shade Carrier is a metal fitting designed to securely support a lampshade or glass shade above a lamp holder or burner. Depending on the age and design of the lamp, shade carriers may attach directly to the burner, gallery or lamp holder using

Bronze Chandelier

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A Bronze Chandelier is a ceiling light crafted from cast or gilt bronze, often displaying exceptional sculptural detail and decorative richness. French bronze chandeliers from the Louis XV, Louis XVI and Empire periods are particularly celebrated for their fine casting, classical ornament and superior craftsmanship.

Bronze Table Lamp

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A Bronze Table Lamp is a decorative table lamp crafted from cast bronze, often featuring finely modelled classical figures, animalier subjects, Corinthian columns or architectural forms. Many antique bronze table lamps originated as candlesticks, oil lamps or gas lamps before being sympathetically converted for electricity.

Bullseye Glass

GlassLighting

Bullseye Glass is hand-blown glass distinguished by a circular mark or thicker central disc created during the traditional crown glass manufacturing process. The characteristic \'bullseye\' results from the pontil attachment point remaining visible after the glass has been spun into a flat sheet. Frequently found

Burner

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A Burner is the component of an oil, paraffin or gas lamp that controls the fuel supply and supports the flame. Traditional burners incorporate mechanisms for adjusting the wick and regulating the flame to provide consistent illumination. Manufactured in brass or bronze, antique burners often

Burner Assembly

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A Burner Assembly is the complete operating unit of an oil or paraffin lamp, incorporating the burner, wick mechanism, gallery, flame spreader and associated fittings required to produce and control the flame. Depending on the lamp\'s design, the assembly may also support the chimney and

C

Candelabra

Lighting

A Candelabra is a decorative multi-branched candle holder designed to support two or more candles from a single central stem. Originating in Classical Antiquity, candelabra became increasingly elaborate during the Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods, crafted from bronze, brass, silver, ormolu and crystal. Antique candelabra

Candle Holder

Lighting

A Candle Holder is a decorative or functional object designed to securely support a candle while it burns. Produced in countless forms and materials throughout history---including brass, bronze, silver, wood, ceramic and glass---candle holders range from simple domestic examples to elaborate ceremonial pieces. Antique candle

Candle Lantern

Lighting

A Candle Lantern is a portable lantern designed to enclose and protect a burning candle from wind and weather while providing safe illumination. Traditionally crafted from brass, copper, iron or tin with glazed glass panels, candle lanterns were widely used in homes, churches, coaches and

Candle Sconce

Lighting

A Candle Sconce is a wall-mounted candle holder designed to illuminate rooms before the widespread adoption of gas and electric lighting. Antique sconces were commonly produced in brass, bronze, silver or giltwood and often featured decorative backplates to reflect candlelight. Today they remain popular as

Candlestick Lamp

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A Candlestick Lamp is an electric table lamp created from, or inspired by, a traditional candlestick. Many antique candlestick lamps began life as genuine brass, bronze or silver candlesticks before being professionally converted for electricity. Their slender proportions and timeless elegance make them particularly suitable

Ceiling Light

Lighting

A Ceiling Light is any light fitting mounted directly to a ceiling to provide general illumination. Antique ceiling lights include flush-mounted fittings, lanterns, chandeliers and pendant lights, crafted in brass, bronze, glass and crystal. Professionally restored antique ceiling lights combine historic craftsmanship with modern electrical

Ceiling Pendant

Lighting

A Ceiling Pendant is a light fitting suspended from the ceiling by a chain, rod or cable. Antique ceiling pendants encompass a wide variety of styles, including opaline glass pendants, schoolhouse lights, brass lanterns and Arts & Crafts fittings. Their ability to provide focused illumination

Ceiling Rose

ArchitectureLighting

A Ceiling Rose is a decorative plaster or timber architectural feature positioned around the ceiling light fitting, traditionally concealing wiring while providing an elegant transition between the ceiling and suspended lighting. Popular throughout the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods, ceiling roses frequently incorporate acanthus leaves,

Chamberstick

Lighting

A Chamberstick is a portable candlestick fitted with a broad circular tray and carrying handle, originally designed for carrying a candle safely between rooms or to bed. Commonly produced in brass, silver, pewter and ceramic, chambersticks became widespread during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Many

Chandelier

Decorative ArtsLighting

A Chandelier is a suspended decorative light fitting designed with multiple branches to support candles, oil burners, gas fittings or electric lights. Originally developed during the medieval period, chandeliers evolved into elaborate works of art throughout the Georgian, Regency, Victorian and Edwardian eras. Constructed from

Chandelier Arm

Lighting

A Chandelier Arm is one of the projecting branches extending from the central frame of a chandelier, supporting candle holders, burners or electric lamp holders. Antique chandelier arms may be crafted from brass, bronze, ormolu, wrought iron or carved wood, depending upon the period and

Chandelier Drop

Lighting

A Chandelier Drop is an individual hanging crystal or glass ornament suspended from a chandelier to reflect and refract light. Available in numerous shapes---including spearpoint, pear, icicle and almond---drops create the sparkle and brilliance associated with fine crystal chandeliers. Original antique drops are highly valued,

Chandelier Frame

Lighting

A Chandelier Frame is the structural framework supporting all arms, decorative elements and crystal components of a chandelier. Constructed in brass, bronze, wrought iron or ormolu, the frame determines the chandelier\'s proportions, stability and overall style. During restoration, the original frame is carefully preserved while

Chandelier Prism

Lighting

A Chandelier Prism is a precision-cut crystal or glass component designed to refract light into a spectrum of colours, enhancing the brilliance of a chandelier. Prisms may be faceted, spearpoint, almond or pear-shaped and are suspended individually or in swags around the frame. High-quality lead

Chandelier Restoration

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Chandelier Restoration is the specialist process of conserving, repairing and rewiring antique chandeliers while preserving their historic integrity. Restoration may include cleaning, replacing damaged wiring, repairing frames, sourcing period-correct crystal drops and stabilising structural components. High-quality restoration seeks to retain as much original material as

Church Lantern

Lighting

A Church Lantern is a large suspended lantern originally designed to illuminate churches, chapels and ecclesiastical buildings. Typically crafted from brass, wrought iron or bronze with glazed panels, church lanterns combine robust construction with architectural presence. Antique examples are now widely used in entrance halls,

Coach Lantern

Lighting

A Coach Lantern is a lantern originally designed for horse-drawn carriages, providing illumination during travel. Constructed from brass, copper or iron with bevelled glass panels, coach lanterns were engineered to withstand vibration and adverse weather conditions. Antique coach lanterns are now highly sought after as

Column Lamp

Lighting

A Column Lamp is a table lamp whose design is inspired by a classical architectural column. Commonly crafted in brass, bronze, marble or carved wood, column lamps became especially popular during the Regency and Victorian periods. Their elegant proportions make them suitable for both traditional

Corinthian Column Lamp

Lighting

A Corinthian Column Lamp is a table lamp modelled on the ornate Corinthian order of Classical architecture, distinguished by its acanthus-leaf capital and fluted column. Particularly fashionable during the Victorian period, Corinthian lamps were produced in brass, bronze and cast iron, often standing on stepped

Crystal Chandelier

Lighting

A Crystal Chandelier is a chandelier adorned with cut crystal drops, prisms and decorative ornaments designed to maximise the reflection and refraction of light. Produced throughout Europe from the eighteenth century onwards, crystal chandeliers became symbols of luxury and refinement in grand houses, palaces and

D

Decorative Ceiling Light

Lighting

A Decorative Ceiling Light is a ceiling-mounted lighting fixture designed to serve as both a source of illumination and a decorative focal point within an interior. Antique examples include ornate brass fittings, cut crystal lights, flush ceiling fixtures and decorative lanterns produced throughout the Victorian,

Decorative Lantern

Lighting

A Decorative Lantern is an ornamental hanging or wall-mounted lantern designed to enhance both the illumination and architectural character of an interior or exterior space. Produced in brass, copper, wrought iron and bronze, decorative lanterns have been used from the Georgian period onwards in entrance

Desk Lamp

Lighting

A Desk Lamp is a table lamp specifically designed to provide focused illumination for writing, reading or office work. Antique desk lamps range from adjustable brass library lamps and bankers\' lamps to elegant Victorian oil lamps later converted for electricity. Fine examples combine practical functionality

Dolphin Lamp

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A Dolphin Lamp is a decorative table or floor lamp featuring one or more sculptural dolphins incorporated into the base or column. Inspired by classical mythology and maritime symbolism, dolphin lamps became particularly popular during the Regency, Victorian and early twentieth-century periods. Crafted from brass,

Dome Lantern

Lighting

A Dome Lantern is a suspended ceiling lantern distinguished by its rounded or domed upper section enclosing glazed panels beneath. Traditionally used in entrance halls, stairwells, porches and vestibules, dome lanterns became particularly popular during the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods. Antique examples are commonly

Double Arm Wall Light

Lighting

A Double Arm Wall Light is a wall-mounted light fitting incorporating two projecting arms designed to support candles, oil burners or electric lamp holders. Offering balanced illumination, double arm wall lights became popular throughout the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods and were commonly installed in

Double Branch Wall Sconce

Lighting

A Double Branch Wall Sconce is a decorative wall-mounted lighting fixture featuring two elegantly shaped branches extending from a central backplate. Originally designed to hold candles before later being adapted for gas or electricity, these sconces were widely used in Georgian, Regency and Victorian interiors.

Drop Light

Lighting

A Drop Light is a suspended lighting fixture hanging from a flexible cable, chain or rod, allowing the light to be positioned below ceiling level. Originally introduced during the late Victorian period with the arrival of electricity, drop lights became increasingly popular throughout the Edwardian

Drop Pendant

Lighting

A Drop Pendant is a suspended ceiling light that hangs from a chain, rod or cable, positioning the light source below the ceiling to provide focused illumination. Antique drop pendants were commonly produced during the Victorian and Edwardian periods in brass, copper, opaline glass and

Drum Shade

Lighting

A Drum Shade is a cylindrical lampshade distinguished by its straight sides and flat upper and lower edges. Introduced during the twentieth century, drum shades have become popular for their clean, contemporary appearance while complementing both antique and modern lighting. They are commonly produced in

Dutch Brass Chandelier

Lighting

A Dutch Brass Chandelier is a traditional multi-arm chandelier crafted from polished brass, typically featuring gracefully curved arms radiating from a central turned column. Originating in the Netherlands during the seventeenth century, these chandeliers were designed to hold candles before later examples were adapted for

Dutch Chandelier

Decorative ArtsLighting

A Dutch Chandelier is a distinctive brass chandelier originating from the Netherlands, characterised by its broad circular form, multiple curved arms and elegant central baluster stem. Developed during the seventeenth century, Dutch chandeliers became highly influential throughout Europe and remain celebrated for their restrained yet

E

Ebonised Standard Lamp

Lighting

An Ebonised Standard Lamp is a floor-standing lamp finished with an ebonised surface to imitate the appearance of ebony. Popular during the Victorian and Edwardian periods, these lamps were often turned from hardwood before being stained black and polished. Antique examples frequently feature carved decoration,

Edwardian Chandelier

Lighting

An Edwardian Chandelier is a decorative ceiling light produced during the reign of King Edward VII (1901--1910). Characterised by lighter proportions and more restrained ornamentation than Victorian examples, Edwardian chandeliers frequently incorporate brass, bronze, cut crystal and elegant classical detailing. They remain highly sought after

Edwardian Lantern

Lighting

An Edwardian Lantern is a hanging lantern produced during the Edwardian period, combining elegant proportions with refined decorative detailing. Typically crafted in brass, copper or wrought iron, Edwardian lanterns were widely used in entrance halls, porches and stairwells. Their timeless design continues to make them

Edwardian Table Lamp

Lighting

An Edwardian Table Lamp is a portable lamp produced during the early twentieth century, reflecting the elegant simplicity and craftsmanship of the Edwardian era. Constructed from brass, bronze, marble, porcelain or carved wood, these lamps often feature classical styling and refined decorative details. Many examples

Edwardian Wall Lights

Lighting

Edwardian Wall Lights are wall-mounted lighting fixtures produced during the Edwardian period, distinguished by their restrained elegance and refined craftsmanship. Commonly manufactured in brass, bronze and ormolu with etched or frosted glass shades, they provided both decorative and functional lighting in drawing rooms, hallways and

Egg-and-Dart Ceiling Rose

Lighting

An Egg-and-Dart Ceiling Rose is a decorative plaster ceiling rose incorporating the classical egg-and-dart moulding, one of the most recognisable motifs in Greek and Roman architecture. Popular throughout the Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods, these ceiling roses provide an elegant transition between a chandelier or

Electric Candlestick Lamp

Lighting

An Electric Candlestick Lamp is a table lamp designed in the form of a traditional candlestick, either originally manufactured for electricity or converted from an antique candle holder. Popular during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, these lamps retain the elegant proportions of earlier candlesticks

Electric Chandelier

Lighting

An Electric Chandelier is a chandelier designed or adapted to operate using electric lighting rather than candles or gas. Early electric chandeliers often retained the appearance of traditional candle fittings while incorporating concealed wiring and decorative lamp holders. Antique examples from the Edwardian period onwards

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