
How can you tell if a lamp is Stiffel?
How to Identify Marks of a Stiffel Lamp
- Let There Be Light. One clear indication you have a old-style Stiffel floor lamp is the light switch. ...
- In the Shade. Another place where you might find a marker is inside the shade. ...
- A Clue in the Base. Stiffel lamps often contain a foil signature decal on the bottom of the lamp's metal or high-quality wood base.
- Stiffel Lamp Materials. ...
How much are Stiffel Lamps worth?
What are Stiffel lamps worth? At Justcollecting.com when discussing Vintage Stiffel Lamps they are said to rarely hit auction houses and only usually go for between $100 and $500. Similarly one may ask, how do you tell if a lamp is a Stiffel?
How can you tell if a lamp is Stiffel brass?
Instructions:
- Check to see if it's really brass.
- Squeeze half a lemon into your bowl.
- Add your baking soda.
- Stir the baking soda and lemon mix until it forms a delicious smelling paste.
- Use a soft cloth and apply the paste.
- Rinse off the paste and dry.
- When you're done, give the brass a really thorough rinse.
How to identify marks of a Stiffel lamp?
Things You Will Need
- Magnifying glass
- Cleaning cloth
- Gentle cleaning solution
- Antique lamp identification chart
- Vintage lamp manufacturers list

How can you tell if your 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.
Are Stiffel lamps worth money?
At Justcollecting.com when discussing Vintage Stiffel Lamps they are said to rarely hit auction houses and only usually go for between $100 and $500.
Where can I find markings on antique lamps?
Lamp Maker's Mark 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 know if a 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.
Where is a Stiffel lamp marked?
Stiffel lamps are also marked on the bottom of the base. Sometimes the green felt on the bottom of the lamp would hide the label, but if you carefully unscrew the base, you can find the plaque or find etched in the metal the words “Stiffel,” “Stiffel Lamp Company” or SLC in the base.
When did Stiffel lamps go out of business?
The company went bankrupt in 2000. The company was purchased by Salton, which shipped its molds to China.
How do you date a lamp by the cord?
Clues in the 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.
How do I know if my light fixture is antique?
Look at the light fixture for manufacturer impressions. The metal framework supports the fixture, the base of the light and the arms connecting to the globes. The company names or signatures that were incorporated into the original casting are the most common markings.
What are the vintage lamps called?
Antique Lamps: 19th Century Three iconic antique lamps from this period are student lamps, Banquet lamps, and Tiffany lamps.
What antique lamps are valuable?
The Top Ten Most Valuable Antique Oil LampsNo.NAMEPRICE1Dragonfly Oil Lamp$11,869.342Blue Dragon$9,5003LONGWY Ormolu Oil Lamp$6,7004Dresden Porcelain Oil Lamp$5,1506 more rows
How can you tell if a lamp is a mid century?
Vintage Mid-Century Modern lamps are characterized by simple lines and a fun space-age feel. In general, these lamps are geometric, with globes, hourglasses, and rings being the dominant shapes.
Are Tiffany lamps marked?
Many Tiffany lamps will have a stamp on the base that identifies the maker as Tiffany Studios. This stamp may not be on the base of all lamps, so the lack of a stamp doesn't necessarily mean the lamp isn't authentic. If a stamp is present, it should read "TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK" and display a makers mark.
What are the characteristic features of antique Stiffel lamps?
Stiffel lamps were about 30” tall with shade included. They often had a slender stem, an attractive, understated shade, and would not look out of p...
How to identify an antique Stiffel lamp?
Shade Identifying a Stiffel shade is easy if the label has been left intact. Frequently made from silk shantung from China, the lamps usually had a...
What are Stiffel lamps crafted from?
Stiffel lamps were made using a variety of materials that included bronze, brass, pewter, and silver. Finishes included brushed, polished and antiq...
How do you tell if a lamp is a Stiffel?
Look for "Stiffel Lamp Company," "SLC" or "Stiffel" on the decal or etched into the bottom of the lamp's base. If the lamp base has a felt cover over an open area, unscrew the lamp base from the light fixture, remove the felt and examine the inside for information.
How can you tell if a lamp is solid brass?
The way to tell if something is solid brass, or only brass plated is with a magnet. If the magnet sticks to the piece, it's brass plated. If it doesn't, do one further test, just to be sure it's not actually brass plating on top of another non-magnetic metal. Test by scratching an inconspicuous area with a sharp knife.
How can you tell how old a lamp is?
Look at the wiring as a clue to the age and the lamp's maker. Cotton-wrapped wires mean an older lamp, but owners typically repair or replace wiring. Examine the interior of the bulb socket and the plug for any marking clues. Search for manufacturing clues on the lampshade, if the lamp has one.
How do you clean old Stiffel lamps?
Fill a microwave-safe cup with 1 cup of white vinegar and heat it up in the microwave for one minute. Dip a cloth into the vinegar and then into a dish containing ¼ cup of table salt. Polish all remaining portions of the Stiffel lamp that has tarnish to remove it.
What is Stiffel?
Made in the USA, every Stiffel lamp is an original, created by talented designers and skilled artisans. A Stiffel lamp has a rare quality that transcends the strictly utilitarian and goes beyond the merely decorative. The purchase of a Stiffel lamp is one of the finest investments you could make for your home.
How can you tell a Tiffany lamp?
Hold the top of the lampshade and lightly knock on the glass. According to Tiffany experts, a firm glass shade that does not rattle usually indicates the lamp is a forgery. Closely inspect the glass. Tiffany lamps are known for intense, vibrant colors and a variety of textures.
How do I identify my lamp maker?
Pick up the lamp and look 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.
What is stiffel lamp?
For a classic way to give your room a glow, an antique stiffel lamp is just the ticket. Cast in steel with a brushed metal exterior, the antique sheen gives these lamps a quality that adds charm to any room. Throw on an ornate lamp shade and let these beautiful pieces keep your home lit for years. Check out this extensive collection and pick a couple antique stiffel lamps for your home.
How tall are stiffel lamps?
Stiffel lamps were about 30” tall with shade included. They often had a slender stem, an attractive, understated shade, and would not look out of place in any room. They frequently used metal as the base part of the design. The metals could be brass, bronze, brushed copper, or black and white enamel.
What materials were used in the Stiffel lamp?
Stiffel lamps were made using a variety of materials that included bronze, brass, pewter, and silver. Finishes included brushed, polished and antique brass, polished nickel or silver, or a combination of silver and black. A few were gunmetal gray, Roman bronze or burnt umber. Most of all, look for quality.
Where is the plaque on a Stiffel lamp?
Further Identifiers. Stiffel lamps are also marked on the bottom of the base. Sometimes the green felt on the bottom of the lamp would hide the label, but if you carefully unscrew the base, you can find the plaque or find etched in the metal the words “Stiffel,” “Stiffel Lamp Company” or SLC in the base.
Why Stiffel Lamps are the most searched for brand on Google
If the lamp is heavy when you lift it, lamps are good it is a Stiffel, especially if it shares design lamps with photos of Stiffel lamps online.
Why Stiffel Lamps are the most searched for brand on Google
Click on stiffel pictures to go to that specific contemporary table lamp or any of the above links to go to the general Stiffel Lamps contemporary table lamp page. LampsUSA is always looking for ways to make it easier for you to find the perfect Stiffel Lamps for stiffel home to create the perfect look.
