Winged Flame

Name: Winged Flame
 
Type: None
 
Year: c. 1880–1910
 
Set: No
 
Mark: None - Continental Europe (likely French or Austrian)
 
History: This is a highly ornate gilt brass decorative mount, almost certainly from a larger object such as a mantel clock, candelabrum, or urn-style garniture piece. The design features a symmetrical tripod base with paw feet and a central standard, which supports two winged female figures — likely Victories or Sirens, typical of Empire Revival symbolism. Between them sits a stylized flame finial or urn cap, a classical motif representing eternal flame or divine inspiration.
 
 
The tripod base with neoclassical fluting and foliate elements is consistent with Empire and Louis XVI revival designs popular in the late 19th century, particularly in France, but also reproduced throughout Austria and Germany during that time.
 
 
The fact that it is removable (as shown in the disassembled image) further supports its identification as an urn lid finial, lamp crown, or upper clock mount, where such elaborate features were often designed to screw into the main body for ease of transport or manufacturing.
 
 
This item is now best categorized as decorative architectural salvage, appreciated for its craftsmanship and period aesthetics, often repurposed in restoration or decorative projects.
 
Flaws: None