Posted 7 years ago
doowopp66
(2 items)
Continental Art Lamp Company was a Chicago based manufacturer located on the famous Division Street. The owners were John Matanky, the son of Russian immigrants, and three Italian nationals. Plaster lamps were made from molds of sculptures by Italian designers. Production began in 1948 or 1949 and ended in 1962 when Mr. Matanky suffered a severe stroke. Both the plaster lamps bases and their unique lamps shades were made in house.
Great pics this time which show this lamp to best advantage. Since yours was made in 1967 all the ones shown on the internet have nothing to do with this piece which was after 1966 when the New high import and export trade began for a lot of companies. By 1967 Continental's wares changed dramatically so this must have been basically a new startup of an old company. Before your item I did not know Continental Art did items after the early 60's. So it is an important post. All I knew for certain before, was that these lamps were part of the large import export trade where the biggest purveyers were usually from California and especially Italy. This Continental company from Chicago obviously made some of the best quality plaster and glass prism lamps judging from just your photos !!~
Also to note, a lot of these lamps like yours were meant to be on a small stand about 17 inches in height or so. In the late 80's and early 90's for certain I was always running into some of these beautiful stands that were made in Italy, some with beautiful marble tops but otherwise cheaply made from composition or plaster. Some had statues with them and a lot did not. Usually the marble tops were always well stamped made in italy.