Rack-and-Slide Lamp
This is a wooden lamp, five feet tall, with a milk glass shade. The rack-and-slide mechanism allows the shade to be lifted 18" vertically. There is an embossed number four on the ratchet's lock mechanism. There is a center bulb inside the milk glass shade with an E39 base operated by a twist switch. Then there are two push-button switches that operate common bulbs on two arms that twist around the outside of the milk glass shade. A traditional fabric shade can be placed on top of the milk glass and cover these two arms.
5' to 6.5' tall
Inherited
Yes
Hi Jonathan,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The mechanism that makes this lamp so adjustable is called either a sawtooth trammel or ratchet and I've seen this kind of lamp described as such both ways. The mechanism dates back centuries to early fireplace pot hangers and grease lamps but was revived in the 20th century - particularly during the Colonial Revival period - as a popular rustic design feature for adjustable wooden floor and table lamps, such as the one you have.
From your photos, it looks like this was made of maple, the use of which strongly suggests an American manufacture. There were a couple of American makers that are recorded as having made sawtooth trammel lamps, most notably and importantly Frances Elkins (who worked with the Tell City Chair Company) and Frederick Cooper in Chicago. Typically, these lamps would have been marked on the bottom (so if you look and see a mark, please let me know and/or add a photo so I can include mention of that in this appraisal [and re-evaluate if warranted]).
Most ratchet lamps that are unattributed, or by makers with lesser reputations, can retail for a few hundred dollars, though when they come to auction, they can usually be acquired for around $100
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A vintage American maple sawtooth trammel or ratchet lamp
unattributed maker, first half 20th century
Fitted with three lights (one large, two offset), with a dished top, the standard adjustable with a sawtooth trammel or ratchet, on a molded circular base, surmounted by a cloth shade over milk glass bulbs. Apparently unmarked.
60-78 inches
CONDITION: this lamp appears to be in good structural condition with some minor wear (chip losses etc) commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: inherited
$75-125*
*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
(1).jpg)
