A very good quality, solid bronze, early 19th Century copy of the Versailles lantern. Modelled on the lanterns hanging in the Palace at Versailles, the originals were made in the mid 18th Century. The model is of exceptional quality, the ormolu has a rich patina, and is the original gilding. Each pain of glass, is unusually bevelled, suggesting the highest quality. The detailing is very fine, depicting acanthus leaves, shells, lion masks, fauns and surmounted with an imperial crown. It has a little hinged door, so the electrical fitting can be reached for bulb changing etc.