How to Identify Vintage Lamps [7 Steps]
- Antique Lamp It can be difficult to identify the manufacturer of an old lamp, but there are a few hints that can be used for anyone who is interested. ...
- Lamp Maker It is possible to deduce the maker of the lighting fixture by examining any writing or drawings found on the metal base with a magnifying glass. ...
- Lamp Shade ...
- Cord ...
- Decals ...
How to identify antique lamps?
Antique lamps designed by prestigious companies will have a logo of their brand somewhere around them. If you can’t find the manufacturer’s label on it, check for other marks and symbols, they may indicate the hallmark. Popular antique lamp manufacturers you should look out for are: Handel Company. Tiffany Studios. Duffner and Kimberly.
How can you tell if a lamp has a date on it?
One of the first places to look for a date stamp or the maker's hallmark begins with an examination of the base of the lamp. Antique Lamp Supply recommends picking up the lamp and looking for a manufacturer's symbol, name or date stamp embedded into the base.
How can you tell if an outlet is a lamp?
It wasn't until the early 1960s that outlets were converted to both grounding (3-prong) and polarized. Likewise, you may see screws or even wires around the plugs, which indicate an antique cord – and, hence, an antique lamp. Twisted, fabric-covered cords usually indicate turn-of-the-century lamps, according to Nostalgic Bulbs.
How can you tell if a lamp cord is old?
Note whether the cord and plug look old. If the cord does not look old, someone may have replaced the original. So, even if the rest of your lamp looks old, don't let that confuse you. Lampshade Specialties explains that antique electric lamps often had a cotton-wrapped cord.
How do you know if a lamp is worth money?
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.
Can you tell the age of 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.
What kind of lamps are worth money?
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 do you identify mid century lamps?
Like midcentury architecture, furniture and textiles, the lamps from this period have geometric shapes, simple lines and a space-age feel. Look for shapes such as globes, hourglasses and rings to kickstart your search.
Are old oil lamps worth money?
Most antique oil lamps sell for between $25 and $150, but some examples may be especially valuable. Lamps with cut crystal shades, beautiful details, unusual colors, and other features can bring the most at auction.
How can you tell if a lamp is brass?
You can tell the difference with the help of a magnet. If you hold a magnet against the item and feel a pull, you know the piece is brass plated. If there's no attraction, then the piece is solid brass.
What are old fashioned lamps called?
Antique lamps, also known as vintage lamps, are a stylish and very useful addition to any home. They have been produced and refined for more than a century in a variety of fascinating and ornate designs.
How do you know if a light fixture is antique?
Study the light fixture for any manufacturer impressions, initials or hallmarks. Examine the metal framework supporting the fixture, the base of the light and the arms connecting to the globes. Most markings are company names or signatures that were incorporated into the original casting.
How do you tell if a lamp is a real Tiffany?
Step-By-Step Guide to Identify an Authentic Tiffany Studios LampResearch the Origins. ... Check the Base for a Gray Metal Ring. ... Look for a Patina on the Base. ... Review the Quality of Materials. ... Identify Stamps and Signatures. ... Look at the Components. ... Identify the Motif. ... Tap for Loose Glass.More items...•
How do you date a lamp?
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 can you tell if a lamp is stained glass?
However, a few tips can help you start to recognize quality lamps.Look for hairline cracks in the glass. ... Pay attention to glass color. ... Pick up the base and feel the weight. ... Step back and gauge the overall design. ... Talk to a reputable dealer, appraiser, or auction house.More items...
What are slag glass lamps worth?
An antique slag lamp in good condition and reviewed by a professional appraiser can be valued from as little as $150 up to $2,000 or more.
How old are Leviton lamps?
The company was founded in 1906 by Isidor Leviton.
How do you date a Stiffel lamp?
Check for the “Stiffel Lamp Company” embossing, the “SLC” logo, or “Stiffel” on the bottom of the lamp or the decal. If it features a light with a covered base, open the felt and look inside for information about it, the manufacturer, and the date of production should be there.
Are Stiffel lamps worth anything?
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.
Are old lamps a fire hazard?
Using vintage lights with old wiring But when you buy old lamps or pendant lights instead of new ones, you need to be careful about your lighting's potential as a fire hazard. Most of the time, the safest option is to rewire the fixture. You can do it yourself or enlist the help of a friend.
Step 1 : The Lamp Style
The first and most immediate thing you can do to identify if the lamp is vintage or not is by looking at what type of lamp it is, whether it is an art deco lamp or an art nouveau lamp etc. The lamp style can really help you figure out where or what year it was manufactured in.
Step 3 : The Lampshade
Another good way to identify a vintage lamp is by quickly examining its lampshade. Usually, the lampshades found in traditional lamps have a specific design or style of the era it was manufactured in. The fabric used in the lampshade or the shape can be a good indicator for identifying them.
Step 4 : The Cords
Examining the cord of the lamp is another way to tell if the lamp is vintage. The old lamps have older cords in them. You can check for the size difference between the prongs at both the ends of what plugs into an outlet. Likely, the cords of the vintage lamps are also very old.
Step 5 : Physically Touching The Lamp
The way the lamp feels when you touch it can also be a factor when identifying a vintage lamp. When you touch the lamp, and it seems rough and rugged, it could be a good thing because it could indicate that the lamp was hand painted, whereas if the design feels smooth to touch, a machine could have possibly painted it.
What Does a Vintage Lamp Look Like?
Vintage lamps can come in all shapes and sizes, and identifying them at first can seem a little daunting. But there are a few telltale signs of an authentic old school lamp that you can use to tell whether or not you're looking at an antique.
Are Vintage Lamps Safe to Use?
Vintage and antique lamps are perfectly safe to use as long as you use common sense. If they appear to be in rough shape (particularly the power cord and plug), you may want to have your lamp professionally inspected before switching it on (I once plugged in an old tube radio and was met with a lot of smoke).
Signs of a Reproduction Vintage Lamp
Power cord and plug - this one is so easy to spot but also easy to miss if you don't think to look! If you happen upon what you think is an authentic vintage lamp but it has a modern looking power cord and plug then it is very likely a reproduction. At the very least, it's not an original (survivor) lamp.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a unique piece to add to your home, scoring an old school lamp can be extremely satisfying. Not only are they decorative, they're also practical, and some of the best collectibles are the ones you can actually use.
How to tell if a lamp is antique?
Aside from the types of antique lamps, its design, style, and finish materials can also tell you if it is truly an antique lamp. For instance, the Tiffany Lamp, its shade may be glass, and it can also have a porcelain globe over it. Antique lamps are known to have standard designs, styles, and patterns. You can identify your antique lamp with the following styles, designs, and materials.
How to tell if antique lamp is made?
Check the body of your antique lamp for a label indicating the manufacturer. Antique lamps designed by prestigious companies will have a logo of their brand somewhere around them. If you can’t find the manufacturer’s label on it, check for other marks and symbols, they may indicate the hallmark. Popular antique lamp manufacturers you should look out for are:
What is the most valuable antique lamp?
Irrespective of its age, which is a major factor in determining the value of any antique item, the type, in some cases, overrules it. The antique tiffany lamps are not the oldest antique lamps but are the most valued and priced ones.
How do you know what kind of antique lamp is in your possession?
How do you know what kind of antique lamp is in your possession? Pick up your lamp, have a seat, carefully examine it and compare its features and characteristics to the common types of antique lamps discussed below.
What color are antique glass lamps?
Glass oil lamps: Antique glass oil lamps range from green to pink, blue, and more. Some antique glass oil lamps even have multiple colors. Here you might have your lampshade to be glass or other parts of it.
What was the first lamp?
Cruise lamps are among the first set of lamps created. In the 1600s, cruise lamps were made to provide light via a small bowl-like container that holds the oil and a channel for the wick to burn.
When were lamps invented?
The first antique lamp was created before the 6th century BCE and was made of clay. This particular model reigned until the rise of the Grecian Empire. This was when metal was first introduced to lamps. The first lamps created used to be shaped like humans or assume relatable figures. Now, the complexity of artistry and architecture has made the designs even more complex.
How to tell if an electric lamp is old?from homeguides.sfgate.com
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. On an antique lamp, the end of the plug -- the side that faces the outlet -- may be completely exposed, with wires and screws visible inside. Some oil lamps were converted into electric lamps years ago, in which case the cord may still look old.
How to tell if a lamp is made?from homeguides.sfgate.com
A maker or manufacturer's mark is a telltale sign of the lamp's age or origin, whether the piece is an oil or electric lamp. Lamp manufacturers such as Tiffany or Bradley and Hubbard marked their pieces; in some cases, the name may be stamped or embossed on the lamp. In other cases, the mark may be a design such as an emblem or triangle, or a set of initials. Inspect all the lamp parts, especially the base, for a maker's design. If you're unsure what the name or symbol means, ask a local antique dealer or look up the marking in a lamp-collecting publication.
How to tell if a lamp is hand painted?from homeguides.sfgate.com
Inspect the design with a magnifying glass, holding the lamp base or painted shade at angles in a well-lit area to detect small ridges left behind from a paintbrush. Brush strokes are evidence of hand-painted work. Be sure to check the inside and outside surfaces of the glass; sometimes the design is applied to the inside, such as on a glass lampshade, while the outside of the shade is smooth if the design is on the inside.
What happens when an antique lamp is turned into an electric lamp?from homeguides.sfgate.com
On an antique lamp, the end of the plug -- the side that faces the outlet -- may be completely exposed, with wires and screws visible inside. Some oil lamps were converted into electric lamps years ago, in which case the cord may still look old.
What is antique lamp?from homeguides.sfgate.com
Antique electric or oil lamps offer more than just a source of illumination after dark; many of these lamps feature hand-painted designs, offering a bit of decor for enjoyment any time of day. As with other types of antiques, reproductions of similar style are also on the market. From afar, reproductions may look like their older counterparts, ...
Why is it important to examine a lamp?from homeguides.sfgate.com
Examine the lampshade, if intact, to determine if it is damaged. This is important especially on lamps with glass shades or painted glass shades, because the elegance of the glass gives the lamp a good deal of its value.
What is a maker's mark on a lamp?from homeguides.sfgate.com
Maker's Marks. A maker or manufacturer's mark is a telltale sign of the lamp's age or origin, whether the piece is an oil or electric lamp. Lamp manufacturers such as Tiffany or Bradley and Hubbard marked their pieces; in some cases, the name may be stamped or embossed on the lamp.
What Are Hurricane Lamps- Past and Present?
Hurricane lamps, aka hurricane lanterns, Tilley lamps, railway lamps, paraffin lamps, storm lanterns, or oil lamps, have been around for at least two centuries. These uniquely shaped lamps with tall glass chimneys were primary sources of light all over the world many decades ago.
How to Identify Vintage Hurricane Lamps
Not all vintage and antique shops sell original hurricane lamps. The fact that a hurricane lamp looks old is not enough to conclude that it is antique or vintage.
Types of Antique and Vintage Hurricane Lamp
Antique and vintage hurricane lamps can be grouped based on their production materials and light source.
Popular Manufacturers Antique and Vintage Hurricane Lamps
Edward Miller, Roycroft, Tiffany, and Dirk Van Erp are some of the most popular manufacturers of antique and vintage hurricane lamps.
How To Find The Value Of Hurricane Lamps
It’s easy to spot a hurricane lamp, but figuring out its value is not straightforward. To determine the value of a hurricane lamp, you must closely inspect it.
Compare to Recently-Sold Pieces
Price comparison is another ingenious method of confirming the value of your vintage and antique hurricane lamps. But first, you must ascertain that what you have or plan to purchase is the original copy.
How To Repurpose Old Hurricane Lamps
Do you have any old hurricane lamp, not necessarily an antique or vintage, that has outlived its purpose in your home? You can think about repurposing them.
How to Determine the Value of a Lamp
The best way to know if a lamp is valuable is to follow this acronym – RADAR.
General Steps to Determine the Value of a Lamp
1: Look closely and examine the overall condition of the lamp. If you notice any damage, take a careful look at the type of damage to determine if repairs are possible or not.
Takeaway
If you have any questions about this article or would like to know more about the value of your lamp, please contact us today to receive expert assistance and we may refer you to an appraisal professional that can provide a valuation of your antique lamp.
How Can You Tell if an Oil Lamp Is Antique?
Because oil lamps are beautiful and still useful today, many companies create modern reproductions. This can make antique kerosene lamp identification challenging, but according to Real or Repro, there are several clues that can help you tell an antique oil lamp from a modern piece.
How to identify antique oil lamps?
You can identify this type of lamp by its carrying handle or finger loop. Hanging antique oil lamps - Other lamps have a loop for hanging from a nail or on a wall. This loop allows the lamp to hang level.
What color are antique oil lamps?
These are some of the colors of genuine antique oil lamps: Green glass. Clear glass. Amber glass. White milk glass.
How much does an oil lamp cost?
How to Tell if an Oil Lamp Is Valuable. Most antique oil lamps sell for between $25 and $150, but some examples may be especially valuable. Lamps with cut crystal shades, beautiful details, unusual colors, and other features can bring the most at auction.
What are antique oil lamps made of?
Colors of Antique Oil Lamps. Although many lamps are made of clear glass, you'll also see them in a variety of beautiful colors. It's important to note that this is another way to determine whether your lamp is actually an antique.
How to find the history of an oil lamp?
One excellent way to establish the history of your antique oil lamp is by finding a patent number or date. This is usually on the winder button, but it might also be on the another spot on the burner or base of your lamp. When you find a number of a US-made lamp, look it up on at the US Patent and Trademark Office.
How to tell how old an oil lamp is?
On oil lamps, the marks are usually found on the button that allows you to wind the wick.
How to find the date of a lamp?
One of the first places to look for a date stamp or the maker's hallmark begins with an examination of the base of the lamp. 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. Have a magnifying glass handy; often the marks are very small. If the bottom of the base is covered with felt, lift the felt gently to look for signs of the lamp's maker.
What to do if your antique table lamp turns up nothing useful?
If your examination of the lamp turns up nothing useful, don't give up! Search out lamp collectors groups or take your lamp to a lamp repair shop or an antique dealer to get an opinion on your antique table lamp's value and age.
What does it mean when a lamp cord is twisted?
Twisted, fabric-covered cords usually indicate turn-of-the-century lamps , according to Nostalgic Bulbs. If your examination of the lamp turns up nothing useful, don't give up!
How to tell if a plug is polarized?
If a plug is polarized, it will have one plug larger than the other. How to Look at a House reports that polarized outlets and plugs were introduced in the 1880s, but they were not popular at first and did not become standard until the mid-20th century. It wasn't until the early 1960s that outlets were converted to both grounding (3-prong) and polarized. Likewise, you may see screws or even wires around the plugs, which indicate an antique cord – and, hence, an antique lamp. Twisted, fabric-covered cords usually indicate turn-of-the-century lamps, according to Nostalgic Bulbs.
What were early 20th century lamps made of?
Old House Journal reports that many early 20th-century lighting fixtures were made of brass, typically finished with a coat of lacquer. Other clues may include a delicate polychrome finish or gilt, which could indicate Depression era lamps. Lamps from that time period may be made from lower-quality metals that would then be painted or gilded.
Is an old lamp valuable?
Some old lamps are not just beautiful, they are valuable, too. Table lamps made by renowned designers usually have a date stamp, a product number or the manufacturer's name listed on them somewhere. By determining the year a table lamp was manufactured, you can learn a lot of information that can help you discover its value or find any replacement ...
Is a table lamp a collectible?
Collectors Weekly reports that, while table lamps are extremely common, they are also often creatively and artistically designed, which might not only make them collectible but can also make it easier to identify the manufacturer. Lamp manufacturers often use their own shapes, carvings, custom colors or other details.
How to tell if a Tiffany lamp is real?
With real Tiffany lamps, the color pigment is embedded in the glass and won’t rub off, while fake Tiffany glass will have been painted, and the paint will come off when rubbed.
How to make a Tiffany lamp?
1. First, turn the lamp over and look under the base. Lift the cap and look for a grey metal ring. The original Tiffany lamps were made with a heavy ring made from lead inside a hollow bronze (or sometimes enameled or mosaic) base.
How much are Tiffany lamps worth?
Genuine Tiffany lamps were made between 1890 and 1930. Tiffany lamps’ value can be anywhere from $4,000 to over $1 million. The most expensive Tiffany lamps sell for upwards of $1 million. The highest price ever paid for a Tiffany lamp was at Christie’s auction in 1997: $2.8 million. ADVERTISEMENT.
What is Tiffany's turtleback lamp?
Tiffany Studios Leaded Glass and Bronze Turtleback Table Lamp, circa 1907. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions. A Tiffany lamp is a truly beautiful thing. Dating back to the Art Nouveau movement of the early 20th century, these extravagantly decorative lamps and light fittings now constitute highly collectable art pieces.
What is the shape of Tiffany lamp shade?
6 . Next, turn your attention to the iconic stained glass shade. Authentic Tiffany lamp shades should be either globe or cone shaped and ‘flow’ organically. Fake reproductions tend to have a more rigid form. In terms of the motifs used, botanical designs, geometric patterns, dragonflies, butterflies, peacock feathers and spiders were all popular designs.
When were Tiffany lamps made?
Genuine Tiffany lamps were made between 1890 and 1930.
What metal do reproduction lamps use?
Reproduction lamps tend to use brass, zinc, white metal, wood or even plastic bases instead. 2. The original bronze (or similar metal) base should have a patina, i.e. a brownish or greenish film on the surface of the metal that occurs naturally as a result of oxidation over a long period.
