Slightly off the topic of Rusian antiques, but then again perhaps not really. Recently I obtained a lovely icon's lampada in brass. It was dated as 1880's. I found some markings inside the well that the seller didn't seem to know or care about:
at the top: a diamond shape with the letter N inside
below that: a horizontal oval that has in it
B. HENNEBERG
* <---- like an 8 petaled flower (or star)
WARSZAWA
to the left: A
at the bottom: another horizontal that has in it
GALW
B. Henneberg was a Jewish fine metal worker of the Victorian era working in Warsaw. His objects were popular in Russia and Germany as well as Poland. It seems that after 1900 the marks included his affiliation with WMF. Most interestingly it also seems that at that point (after 1900) the 8 petaled flower (or star) became the Star of David!
Do any of our "experts" have further info to share? Can anyone identify the other markings I have listed? I would also be most curious as to the lampada's worth. It is in nearly flawless condition with just a slight piece of the lip's rolled edge missing - lipitself is intact. It has the original 20" chains and hanging ring.
Thanks as always!
