Beschreibung:

An 19th century Maltese silver lampierPaolo Schembri, stamped Oakes period (1810-1820)
Traditional form, all mounted on a central rod surmounted by a rococo scroll handle, a fluted three-font lamp below, on baluster stem with squat well and high-domed fluted cover, three implements on chain attached including scissors, tweezers and snuffer, a moveable cartouche shaped reflector with chased scroll and wave-work border, all raised on a shaped circular fluted base on three scroll and shell-work feet, height 68cm, weight 57.5oz.FootnotesProvenance
Property of a Maltese noble family, the Barony of Benwarrad, and thence by descent to the present owners.
History
The Maltese nobility has historically ruled over Malta for hundreds of years – titles still accepted even when parts of the island were under foreign rule. Occupying important administrative rules and duties, these titles have been passed down through generations, and were recognised and accepted by the United Kingdom when they occupied Malta. Their presence dons Malta with name plaques on owned buildings and discrete historical buildings you would easily walk past. One such family who embody Maltese nobility are the Barons of Benwarrad.
Saverio Gatto was created a 'Baron di Benwarrad' on the 18th of August, 1737 by Grand Master Despuig, with the remainder of his descendants in perpetuity, each having the right to nominate a successor, in default of nomination to the first born male descendant, and in absence of male issue, then to the first born female descendant.
The Barony of Benwarrad has an interesting history, passing through several well-known Maltese families, from Gatto, Moscati, Montalto de Ribera to the present holders of Attard-Montalto.
There were several heiresses who succeeded to the Barony, such as Paola Gatto, the 2nd Baroness, who married to Emanuele Moscati-Cassia; Antonia Moscati-Gatto, the 3rd Baroness, who married twice, firstly to Count Sir Paolo Parisio G.C.M.G., and secondly to Sir Guiseppe Maria de Piro G.C.M.G., 5th Baron di Budaq, both marriages failing to produce an heir.
As such, the title moved to Antonia's first cousin, Paolo Montalto de Ribera, who was also Baron di San Paolino. Baron Paolo was succeeded by his daughter, Maria Antonia Montalto. Maria Antonia, the 5th Baroness, married in 1831 to Dr Guiseppe Ivo Attard M.D. The Attard-Montalto lineage held many important posts in Malta, and still retain key positions today.
The present holder is Dr Maria Angela Attard-Montalto, the 8th Baroness, who married in 1948 and had three children - her noble title will eventually be passed on, in perpetuity.