WMF Ikora Lamp - Breuhaus de Groot

W.M.F Ikora - Fritz August Breuhaus de Groot

An exceptionally elegant and very rare table lamp from the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (W.M.F).
This lamp, from the Ikora series, was designed in 1929 by the renowned architect and designer Fritz August Breuhaus de Groot and is listed under model number 648, version 1458, by WMF and in the factory catalog under number 58_BR.
This refers specifically to the lamp base.
The shade and its shape were selected separately by the customer.
The Ikora series, which included both glass and metalwork, is defined not only by its elegant design but also by its artistically and technically sophisticated surface treatments.

The works of F.A. Breuhaus de Groot reflect the emerging modernism and the New Objectivity of the 1920s and 30s, as also conveyed, for example, in pieces from the Burg Giebichenstein School of Art or the Bauhaus.
A restrained, often geometric formal language, frequently implemented in a highly individual and expressive way through various surface treatments, hatching, and patterns.
This is also true of this lamp model, which, similar to the projectile of a bullet, has a "soft," edgeless, and in a certain sense, streamlined basic form.
The lamp base is made of brass, which supports the chrome-plated, height-adjustable mount for the shade. The lower part of the base is defined by an alternating striped pattern of gold and bronzed brass rings, while the middle and upper, tapered sections form a strong contrast with their green, fire-patinated surface. Individual thin gold ring stripes are staggered within the patinated green area.
The chrome-plated light fixture is positioned centrally at the base.
This fixture is height-adjustable and includes two E27 sockets wired in the same way.
The shade is placed on top and screwed into place.

Condition:
The lamp has a distinctly museum-quality character and can be placed in collections or exhibitions without any alterations. The base's surface is original and has been treated with pH-neutral protective wax. The chrome fittings are also original, as are the beautiful Presto Bakelite cord switch and the two bulb sockets. One of the lower Bakelite rings in the sockets has an age-related stress crack, which has been repaired from the back with adhesive and left in its original condition.

Shade Shape:
As you can see from the example photos, the shape, color, and surface texture of a table lamp vary considerably. Therefore, the lamp is sold without a shade. You can purchase one anywhere (online, furniture stores (including the well-known Scandinavian furniture store), etc.) to suit your needs.
We are always happy to advise you if you have any questions.
Based on the photo with the example shades, we have included the shade sizes to give you a general idea.

First row from left to right:

Gray-beige fabric shade - ø 45 cm / 35 cm H 30 cm
Parchment shade with flowers - ø 35 cm / 20 cm H 27 cm
Cylindrical beige shade - ø 38 cm H 28 cm
Second row from left to right:
Factory photo - similar to the gray-beige shade from row 1
Black lacquered shade with gold inner coating and gold trim - ø 42 cm / 28 cm H 27 cm
Pleated white shade - ø 33 cm / cm H 24 cm

Summary

Model: 648-1458
Factory catalogue: BR_58
Design: F.A. Breuhaus de Groot
Year of design: 1929
Lamp base: ø 14.5 cm
Overall height: 49-59 cm
Socket: 2 x E27
Cable length: Fabric, 3.25 m
Signature: WMF Ikora hallmark on the base
Literature: WMF catalogs
Condition: Good, restored original condition

Price €: 1750

This is a historical/antique item with used electrical components, sold as a collector's item—for which GPSR (since December 13, 2024) does not apply. Individual components may be several decades old and no longer meet current standards, even if they appear to function. Should you wish to use the item, you must have it inspected by a certified electrician at your own expense.

The lamp is sold without a light bulb.

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