Antique lamps should feature hand-painted designs, so look for brush marks . If the work is perfectly smooth, it might be a decal. You can also identify a decal by touch — decals are smooth, while paint feels textured. Generally, the presence of decals indicates a modern reproduction rather than an antique.
How do I know if my antique lamp is valuable?
Lamps are often more valuable when left in an original condition with most or all the original parts. Lightly scratch the underside of the lamp surface to determine the type of material it is made from . Some lamps may appear to be made of metal, but they might also be painted to look and feel just like metal.
How do I identify my lamp manufacturer?
Antique Lamp Supply recommends picking up the lamp and looking for a manufacturer’s symbol , name or date stamp embedded into the base. Also look on the lighting fixture itself; sometimes, the manufacturer includes a sticker that includes the name, or date of manufacture.
How do you date a lamp by its cord?
In an electric lamp, the cord often reveals the clue to the lamp’s age , unless the cord has been replaced. Inspect the cord; if it looks old, the lamp probably is as well. The metal prongs on the plug are likely the same size, rather than one end that is larger than the other.
What are the most valuable antique lamps?
- Genoese Crystal Chandeliers – $677,203. ...
- Daum Crystal Chandelier – $680,000. ...
- Classical French 48 Candle Chandelier – $740,000. ...
- Salviati Chandelier – $1,000,000. ...
- Tiffany Wisteria Lamp – $1,565,000. ...
- Kuwaiti Mall Chandelier – $1.8 million. ...
- Pink Lotus Tiffany Lamp – $2.8 million.
How do I know if my oil lamp is valuable?
The best way to tell if an oil lamp is valuable is to compare it to recently sold lamps that are similar . Here are some examples of recent sales: A clear small glass oil lamp with a finger loop from about 1900 sold for about $25. An Eagle-brand blue glass oil lamp with a matching chimney sold for about $70.
Are old light fixtures worth anything?
Antique light fixtures are a valuable and inspirational decorative accent in a real estate investment. The historical significance and unique styling associated with antique lighting fixtures make them a luxurious element in a home design.
How do I know if my old lamp is safe?
- Non-polarized plug with scotch tape.
- Non-polarized plug without insulated cover.
- non polarized plug made from rubber.
What is a GWTW lamp?
The famous “Gone With the Wind” lamps are actually hurricane or chamber lamps . They were produced by several glass companies and circulated during the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. ... Today, we look for beautiful lamps in mint condition with gorgeous hand-painted globes portraying flowers or flowing ivy plants.
How can I tell how old my chandelier is?
- Look over every inch of the light fixture for a maker’s mark, name or date. ...
- Sift through old catalogs, newspaper advertisements and home magazines for your chandelier or a close match that could lead you to the actual manufacturer, country of origin and period. ...
- Consider the source that powered your chandelier.
How can you tell how old a hurricane lamp is?
Look closely for any company stamp or production dates on the metal parts , such as the base or the portion that contains the wick. If you find markings, this can be a clue as to who made the lamp — and when. Check out the base. Older lamps have a heavy metal base, but newer versions are not very heavy.
How can you tell if a lamp is brass?
Solid brass is not magnetic. If the magnet sticks, the item is usually steel or cast iron, with a brass plating. If the magnet does not stick, you can test further by scratching a hidden area with a sharp tool. If you see a shiny yellow scratch , the item is likely solid brass.
How do you tell if a lamp is a Stiffel?
Stiffel lamps often contain a foil signature decal on the bottom of the lamp’s metal or high-quality wood base . Look for “Stiffel Lamp Company,” “SLC” or “Stiffel” on the decal or etched into the bottom of the lamp’s base.
What’s the most expensive light?
- TIFFANY LAMP PINK LOTUS TIFFANY LAMP – $ 2,800,000.
- KUWAITI MALL CHANDELIER CHANDELIER – $ 1,800,000.
- TIFFANY WISTERIA LAMP – $ 1,565,000. ...
- CHANDELIER SALVIATI – $ 1,000,000. ...
- CLASSICAL FRENCH 48 CANDLE CHANDELIER – $ 740,000. ...
What are the most expensive lamps?
Pink Lotus Tiffany Lamp The most expensive lamp in the world the Pink Lotus sold at Christie’s Auction House in New York, on December 12, 1997, for an unbelievable price of $2.8 million. The Tiffany Company was founded by Louis Comfort Tiffany in 1875.
Where are Tiffany lamps marked?
The markings for the leaded glass shades (assuming they are signed) is almost always on the bottom inner metal rim edge of the shade, stamped into the metal . It should always have the words “TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK” in all capital letters.
