Only Online Auction

Geneva, Sep 22, 2021

LOT 337

Louis Houël
Horological tool; watchmaker’s oil lamp, so-called “quinquet” (or Argand lamp); brass, glass and opaline

CHF 400 - 800

EUR 400 - 750 / USD 450 - 900 / HKD 3,500 - 6,900

TO BE SOLD WITHOUT RESERVE

Sold: CHF 162

Brass and glass, watchmaker’s oil lamp, so-called “quinquet” (or Argand lamp); the lampshade in opaline.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good

Brand Louis Houel, Paris

Material brass, glass and opaline

Diameter 134 mm.

Height 500 mm.

Signature case

Notes

Late model probably made by Louis Houël, Paris, who registered the model “L’Idéal” in the early 1890s.

This type of oil lamp with a double draught and a wick in the shape of a hollow cylinder was invented around 1785 by Ami Argand (1750-1803) from Versoix, near Geneva, and then manufactured by him in London. Its success led to numerous imitations and counterfeits, including that of the Parisian pharmacist Antoine-Arnault Quinquet (1745-1803).

At a time when electricity was not yet used for lighting the interior of houses, workshops or factories, this type of lamp was very successful throughout the 19th century and was naturally very popular in watchmaking and jewellery workshops.

CONDITIONS AND INFORMATION FOR BUYERS

The purchase price payable by a buyer will be the sum of the final bid price plus the buyer’s premium, together with any applicable sales or compensating use tax. In addition to the hammer price, the buyer’s premium is payable as follows: 25% of the hammer price on each lot.

Important notice – Special conditions Please look carefully at all the photos as they are an integral part of the description. Any defect not mentioned in the descriptions but visible on the photos will be considered as described and cannot lead to any claim. The dimensions are given as an indication and may slightly differ from the measures mentioned by the manufacturers especially for contemporary watches. The photos are not retouched. Colors may differ from reality. For timepieces, we guarantee neither the functioning nor the precision of the movement, nor the water-resistance of the case. In addition, please note that movements, parts of mechanisms or cases may be incomplete. The lots are sold “as is”, described to the best of our knowledge and cannot be returned. Once the online bid is placed by the bidder, it cannot be cancelled.