Hi Catherine,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Yes, these lamps are very similar to those made by Stiffel Lighting, which was one of the classic American lamp makers and which enjoyed a reputation on a par with that of Tiffany & Company, Caldwell Lighting and the Rembrandt Lamp Company.

The company was founded in Chicago by Ted Stiffel in 1923. He had a background in the fine arts and the company developed a reputation for combining elegant design with substantial construction and craftsmanship.

During the mid-20th century, Stiffel lamps were considered premium furnishings. Factors that contributed to that reputation were their heavy, solid-feeling construction, detailed cast-metal bases, high-quality brass and bronze finishes, traditional, neoclassical, colonial, and Hollywood Regency-inspired designs. Additionally, the lamps featured durable, high-quality electrical components.

Egyptian motifs were extremely popular during the Art Deco period, especially in the 1920s and early 1930s. The biggest catalyst was the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun by Howard Carter in 1922. The discovery generated worldwide fascination with ancient Egypt and sparked what historians often call "Egyptomania." Newspapers, museums, fashion designers, jewelers, architects, and furniture makers all drew inspiration from Egyptian art and symbolism.

Do these lamps have their original "Stiffel" foil labels, or a patented "Stiffel Switch"? If they do, they can confidently be called "Stiffel" but if they are not, the term "attributed to" would be more appropriate. Unfortunately, the label or switch can warrant a slightly higher value as collectors prefer to have labeled examples.

Similar pairs of attributed Egyptian art deco lamps that have come to auction have sold for between $400 and $600 while labeled examples have brought a bit more. Please let me know if these are labeled and, if you can take/attach a photo of the label, I will update the value accordingly.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A pair of Egyptian Art Deco style white painted table lamps
attributed to Stiffel, circa 1930s
The bases with Egyptian therm supports on circular stepped bases on black square socles. Electrified with tall harps.
18-1/2 inches tall
CONDITION: working, with minor wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Acquired from a secondhand store
$ 400-600 for the pair*
*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