Pair Antique Candlestick Table Lamps Cheshire Cat Lewis Carroll Alice Wonderland

Pair antique candlestick table lamps, Cheshire Cat, Lewis Carroll Alice`s adventures in Wonderland, solid brass & oak, by Rayswi, Harrogate, 1920`s ca, English.

This pair of antique lamps have been gently cleaned while respecting the aged patina. They are newly rewired, earthed, PAT tested by an electrician and ready to use. Each has the following new components: lamp holder with a cream card cover, gold silk cable, black cord switch, black plug (UK Plug up to 250V) & clip on silk lampshade. Lightbulbs included. These lamps can be used with a dimmer. It is possible to use these lights in other countries with a light bulb suitable to local electricity.

Presented here is a very fun & rare pair of antique candlesticks depicting the Cheshire Cat, Lewis Carroll`s famous character from Alice`s adventures in Wonderland (1865), made by Rayswi in England around the 1920`s, converted into lamps.

Both lamps with the original manufacturer`s metal label still present at the bottom of each base: " Rayswi Reg. Harrogate England".

The Cheshire Cat is best known from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865), but the idea predates the novel. The phrase “grin like a Cheshire cat” appears in Francis Grose’s Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue (1788), indicating it was already common in England, especially in Cheshire. The Cheshire Cat became a symbol of wit, mystery, and independence, qualities long associated with cats in European folklore.

The theme & delicate size make these lamps well proportioned & p erfect as an accent light for a study, bedside, reading nook, shelf, chest, mantelpiece, or eclectic interior, where their mix of natural oak, gleaming brass, and unique feline motif can be appreciated as both functional and decorative. They would suit a range of interiors such as Antique, Art Deco, Traditional, Country, Hollywood Regency, or Contemporary.

These antique table lamps combine the warm character of oak with the refined gleam of brass, creating a set with both rustic charm and elegant detailing. The design composition of each lamp consists of a turned solid oak base showcasing smooth, symmetrical contours, culminating in a circular plinth for stability. The dark stained finish highlights the wood grain while providing a rich contrast to the solid polished brass embellishment. The standout feature is a finely cast brass ornament set midway along the column, depicting a stylised Cheshire Cat’s head with a mischievous, almost Cheshire-like grin. This whimsical detail adds personality, evoking both traditional craftsmanship and playful Victorian Era design influences.

The bottom of each base has still the original green felt present to protect the furniture below.

The column of the lamp leads to the wooden sconce and solid polished brass drip pan. On top sits a new lamp holder covered by a new cream card candle tube, echoing the look of period candlesticks.

Both lamps are finished with a new clip-on black silk lampshade lined metallic gold. This complements the tones of the base creating an intimate and atmospheric glow. These lampshades are included in the price.

Each lamp carries 1 standard small screw light bulb (E14) up to 40 Watts. At present they are fitted & photographed with new LED dimmable Candle Clear shaped light bulbs of 40 Watts. These are included in the price.

Fitted with a twisted antique gold tone silk covered cord, these lamps retain a period appropriate aesthetic while ensuring safe, modern electrification.

These antique lamps are in very good condition for their age. The antique patina has been preserved on the wood & metal. The frames are sound with no damages, missing or broken parts. There are minor superficial marks & rubbing, in line with age & use. The lampshades are new and in very good condition.

Additional dimensions:

The total Height with the shade on is: 39 cm.

The base alone (without the lampshade) is: Height: 30 cm, Width: 11.5 cm, Depth: 11.5 cm.

The lampshade alone is: Height: 9.5 cm, Diameter at the bottom: 14 cm, Diameter at the top: 7 cm.

Packing is offered free of charge. We take special professional care while packing. For safe transport the bases & lampshades would be wrapped separately in bubble wrap, foam and an outer layer of card. Together these parts would easily fit into a box with loose fill packing nuts, safe for posting with a courier. We ship with reliable couriers (signed for, tracked & insured).

MAIN DELIVERY CHARGES:

Within London UK: Free
UK Mainland: £ Free
European Union: £ 80
United States/Canada: £ 100
Japan: £ 60
Australia: £ 120
Rest of the World please enquire.

THE CHESIRE CAT & LEWIS CARROLL ALICE IN WONDERLAND HISTORY

The Cheshire Cat is best known from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865), but the idea predates the novel. The phrase “grin like a Cheshire cat” appears in Francis Grose’s Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue (1788), indicating it was already common in England, especially in Cheshire.

Several theories explain its origin. Cheshire was a wealthy dairy-producing county, and some cheeses were reportedly molded into the shape of a grinning cat, with the head eaten last. Another theory links it to inn and tavern signs in Cheshire, some featuring leopards or lions from the arms of the Earls of Chester, poorly painted feline faces might have appeared to be smiling. Folklore also suggests the grin was inspired by the elusive wildcats once roaming the area.

By the early 19th Century, the idiom meant a broad, self-satisfied smile, often with a hint of slyness. Lewis Carroll (1832-1898) born in Cheshire, likely knew the phrase from local speech. In Alice, he transformed it into a character: a mischievous, philosophical cat who can vanish, leaving only its grin.

The Cheshire Cat became a symbol of wit, mystery, and independence, qualities long associated with cats in European folklore. Carroll’s character cemented the grin in popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations in art, advertising, and even science (such as the “Cheshire Cat effect” in vision research).

From a local saying rooted in dairy lore and pub signs, the Cheshire Cat’s smile has endured for centuries, still enigmatic, still impossible to forget.