VTG Stiffel Solid Brass Table Lamp 37" Octagonal Base Lighthouse Silhouette
Original Shade | 3-Way Large vintage Stiffel solid brass table lamp with original pleated shade, original harp, Stiffel-marked socket, and Stiffel-marked inner shade ring. This is a substantial oversized statement lamp with a dramatic stepped octagonal base/column form and a classic polished brass look. The lamp has a strong architectural silhouette — almost lighthouse-like in the way the lower octagonal column and base stack upward — but still reads as a formal brass Stiffel table lamp rather than a novelty piece. It has a rich, high-end presence in person and looks especially beautiful when lit. This is a large lamp, measuring approximately 37" tall with the shade. It works and has a 3-way brightness setting. Measurements Overall height with shade: approx. 37" Base to socket: approx. 26.75" Shade height: approx. 16.5" Shade top diameter: approx. 14" Shade bottom diameter: approx. 16.5" Top diameter noted during measuring: approx. 9 cm / 3.5" Octagonal base section: approx. 7.25" across flats / 7.8" point-to-point Lower base plate: approx. 9.25" across flats / approx. 9.8" at widest point Condition Lamp is in good vintage working condition and presents beautifully overall, but it is being sold as-is and priced below what I would consider fully restored value because it would benefit from polishing and minor finish/plating touch-ups. The brass body is solid, substantial, and highly reflective. It shows normal vintage surface wear and areas that would benefit from a finishing polish. I observed small plating/finish touch-up spots, generally minor and not larger than about 1/8" in diameter. The most noticeable areas are not visually prominent when the lamp is displayed with the shade on, and the lamp still has a very strong presentation as-is. No major scratches, dents, cracks, breaks, or structural issues were noted during inspection. The lamp is sturdy, functional, and displays well. The original pleated shade is included. The shade has one visible stain/spot and one crinkle/creased area, shown in photos. The shade still displays well overall, especially when lit, but it is not perfect. Original shade is included because it is part of the lamp’s value and provenance. Original Stiffel details include: Stiffel sticker on socket Stiffel marking/engraving on inner shade ring Original harp/shade hardware Original pleated shade Good vintage working condition. Lamp works and has a 3-way brightness setting. Solid brass body presents beautifully overall, but would benefit from polishing and minor finish/plating touch-ups. Small plating/finish wear spots observed, generally minor and not larger than about 1/8". No major scratches, dents, cracks, breaks, or structural issues noted. Original pleated shade included; shade has one visible stain/spot and one crinkle/creased area shown in photos. Original Stiffel socket sticker and Stiffel-marked inner shade ring present.
Overall height with shade: approx. 37" Base to socket: approx. 26.75" Shade height: approx. 16.5" Shade top diameter: approx. 14" Shade bottom diameter: approx. 16.5" Top diameter noted during measuring: approx. 9 cm / 3.5" Octagonal base section: approx. 7.25" across flats / 7.8" point-to-point Lower base plate: approx. 9.25" across flats / approx. 9.8" at widest point
Secondhand Store
Yes
Hi Emily,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Stiffel was one of the most respected American lighting manufacturers of the 20th century, known for producing high-quality table lamps, floor lamps, and decorative lighting that combined traditional craftsmanship with durable construction. For collectors, interior designers, and auction professionals, Stiffel represents the peak of mid-century American lamp manufacturing.
The company was founded in 1932 by Ted Stiffel in Chicago. It quickly established a reputation for producing lamps made from solid brass, bronze, and other high-quality materials at a time when many competitors were shifting toward lighter, less expensive construction.
The firm's manufacturing philosophy emphasized heavy, durable cast-metal components, fine finishes and plating, traditional American craftsmanship and elegant, timeless designs. As a result, Stiffel lamps became fixtures in upscale homes, hotels, offices, and public buildings across the United States.
On the secondary (auction) lighting market, upon which Mearto bases its prices, Stiffel lamps occupy a distinctive niche that decorators and interior designers appreciate rather than collectors, who seek out lamps by more historically significant makers, such as Tiffany, Caldwell, Handel, etc.
Though retailers of vintage lighting might ask as much as several hundred or even a thousand dollars for this lamp, when sold at auction, it would likely bring between $200 and $400. If you're looking to sell this, pricing it at $1,200 would eliminate the risk of underselling it.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A vintage Stiffel brass table lamp
with conical pleated shade and three-way fixture
37 inches overall height
CONDITION: this lamp appears to be in very good condition
PROVENANCE: acquired in a second-hand store
$200-400*
*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
Thank you Delia!