An O.C. White,Worchester Mass. Industrial design lamp, P&S Markings
02 October 2018
Description

This lamp appears to be brass tubing with ornate swivel fixtures, patent date Aug, 25 1896. The glass lamp cover inscribe "PAT.MICH.31", Lamp holder markings "3 AMP. 250 V. P&S PAT Jan 27.03

Provenance

I collected this lamp from discarded items from house demolition 1984. No other details.

Acquired from
Other
For sale
Maybe
Answered within 1 day
By Grace Harlow
Oct 03, 21:05 UTC
Fair Market Value
$3,500 - $4,000 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

This is an early example (c. 1890s) of an O.C. White Co. adjustable reading and desk lamp. It features a curved articulating brass stem on a square, possibly enameled, black slate base with a decorative glass shade. Tilt adjustments are located at the shade and base.

O.C. White Co. was established in 1883 by Dr. Otis C. White, a dental surgeon from Hopkinton, MA. White developed many patents for adjustable joints, including a dental headrest and a universal ball and stock joint. By 1894, the company began producing light fixtures and became well known for adjustable models, specifically task lamps and machine lighting.

Similar examples to the appraised work rarely appear at auction. Those that have been offered in the past are often later examples from the 1920s and 30s, appear to be significantly smaller in size (based on approximated dimensions of the appraised work), and are likely of inferior quality, with little to no previous restoration. The appraised work appears to have undergone possible restoration (based on photographs provided) and was probably refinished and rewired. Previous treatment and dimensions must be confirmed.

Comparable examples are more widely available on the primary (retail) market, with several currently offered within a range of $4,500-$5,400. The estimate provided in based on these retail examples but adjusted to account for pricing in the secondary (auction) market.

Eduardo baez-muniz Oct 05, 19:28 UTC

The lamp was cleaned and polished piece by piece even the light bulb holder. The lamp was rewired as the original cord was missing when recovered.The base is 7" by 7" square and 1 1/8 " thick. Base cleaned but in original enamel, not repainted. The glass light cover is not original, but the replacement fits well as could be found. Lights with original turning spindle switch. Gleans in the light.

Grace harlow Oct 05, 19:50 UTC

Dear Eduardo,
Many thanks for the information. Yes, it did not appear that the shade was original, based on my research, but I think it adds a nice touch. Based on this additional information, I believe the estimate provided is still accurate. Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Kindly,
Grace

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