An antique American tole and bronze desk lamp, unattributed maker, circa 1920s-30s
This antique metal desk lamp was my grandfather's. From that, the best I can do for age is to guess it was from the 1940s or 1950s. But honestly is only a guess. It's vaguely bell-shaped. Has some blemishes and faded areas in the shade and base. The shade tilts in either direction. Overall weight is heavy. The base provides the heft in the weight. Not sure if the shade is brass or not. It measures 2 ft tall and at it's widest in the shade is about 10 inches.
2 ft tall x 10 inches wide in shade.
Inherited
Yes
Hi Jim,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
I'm drawing a blank on a maker's attribution but the shade looks like a thick tin that's been painted (this is called tole) and it's on a bronze base, which is what makes it heavy and anchors it securely to the table. I think it's actually a bit earlier - late 20s to early 30s but is a handsome lamp with that bell harp-style shade.
The market for these is not very rigorous right now - it has a value at auction of less than $150 despite its size and heft.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique American tole and bronze desk lamp
unattributed maker, circa 1920s-30s
The flaring conical shade with ebonized finish pivoting in a bell-shaped harp, on a vasiform-shaped standard, on a domed circular foot.
Height: 24 inches; diameter of shade: 10 inches
CONDITION: This lamp appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$75-150*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
Hi Jim,
In our experience, it's best not to cover up or obscure things as potential buyers might see it as a red flag and wonder what you might be trying to hide. If you sell this and someone asks about the missing felt, you can explain that it was ratty and you removed it, which is a completely reasonable thing to have done. And they can decide if they want to refelt it or not (and save you the trouble and potential expense in the process).
Let me know if you have other questions; otherwise you're set here.
We're always happy to help appraise whatever you have, whether it's myself or any of my other appraiser colleagues.
Cheers,
Delia
Hi Delia,
Thank you so much for this appraisal. I do have a follow-up question for you. The bottom of the lamp had very old felt material, and was disintegrating. I tore it off. But now sure if I should buy some felt and glue on brand new felt. Or a different material? Or leave the bottom open, and simply include that as part of the status, or condition of the lamp? In your experience, what is the best way to proceed?
I may have some other pieces for assessment soon, as well.
Thank you so much,
Jim