Gilt Bronze and Glass Argand Lamp

This gilt bronze, cut glass, and glass Argand lamp was reportedly given to First Lady Dolley Madison by one of Napoleon Bonaparte's brothers. English Argand lamps became popular in America after their invention in the 1780s because they produced brighter lighting with less smoke. This lamp was possibly manufactured by Messinger & Son of Birmingham, England. This lamp was a gift of Mrs. Edward W.C. Russell in 1976.