The lantern is electric. It hold 45W bulbs in the center. It appears to be gold and copper plated perhaps. There is significent aging effects to the metal.
I really don't know too much about this piece. It was given to me by a a wealthy family when they moved homes. I know it was valued and insured for 10,000. It's age, history or much else is unknown to me.
I hope the pictures can give enough information to those who know a bit about this type of piece.
I hope someone out there knows even the slightest bit of information about it.
I currently willing to sell it if anyone is interested.
This has been in the family for a few generations and has always been referred to as the Monk's Bench, even though it looks more like a Settle, but I suspect it is neither. So what is it? How old is it? Where was it made and by whom? Here's some more photos:
The middle two on the top row are cupboards, the outer two have doors that slide upwards. The middle two on the bottom row are cupboards, the outer two are drawers. The bottom is a single drawer.
