Antique Limoges Factory Artist’s Cast Iron & Wood Detailing Armrest – 1916

Details

Description

An extraordinary artifact from the Limoges porcelain workshops, this adjustable artist’s armrest was used by decorators to steady their hand … Read more An extraordinary artifact from the Limoges porcelain workshops, this adjustable artist’s armrest was used by decorators to steady their hand while applying fine painted and gilded details to porcelain.

Dating to 1916, the design combines a cast-iron base—embossed “Limoges” with a patent date of June 27, 1916—and a tilting hardwood rest bar, both beautifully aged with a warm industrial patina.

Originally, a small rotating plate would have fit onto the pointed central spindle, allowing the porcelain piece to turn while the artist’s arm remained supported. The wooden arm tilts and raises smoothly, locked in place by large wing nuts for height and angle adjustment.

Details:
• Overall: 14.5"L × 7"W × 7.25"H (extends up to ~16"H at adjustable end)
• Material: Cast iron base with hardwood arm (likely oak)
• Markings: Limoges and patent date cast into base with opposing arrows
• Condition: Excellent working order with stable age splits at the tip of the wood arm; movement free and solid; lovely, authentic patina.

A fascinating glimpse into early-20th-century French craftsmanship, this piece is equal parts functional sculpture and industrial design. Perfect as a studio accent, shop display, or coffee-table conversation piece, and an exceptional find for serious Limoges collectors or lovers of decorative-arts history.

Style Tags: Industrial • French Country • Arts & Crafts • Decorative Arts • Early Modern See less