Posted 12 years ago
firstclass…
(1 item)
I purchased this slag glass lamp aprox 6 years ago at an antique place, and have begun trying to determine what it is, the manufacturer, and the aproximate value. The only marking I have found is at the bottom of the base and it is a "1". The shade is an eight panel and there is one that has a pretty long crack. Can these be replaced? I have also noticed that the base is a different shade than the body of the lamp but the design seems to be similar. The cord, chains and working parts look like they are original. I can send additional pictures of certain parts if needed but can someone please help me?
Thanks Joe
After the turn of the century, there were so many makers of this type of lamp that it is almost impossible to identify the maker, unless it is signed or you can find it in an old catalogue. The reason for the difference in color, is that lowest part of the lamp is made of cast iron. The rest of the base and the shade frame are made of cast white metal. Originally, the whole lamp would have a uniform patina in bronze or brass. Sometime in the past, someone decided that it would look better all shiny and polished the patina off, exposing the naked metal, The iron has oxidized since then. You can find places locally to replace the patina, if that is important to you. The internet has many places that you can send one of your panels and they will reproduce a matching one for you. The most affordable that I have found is John Rose in Eugene, OR. If you are interested, this is his web site: http://www.johnrose-glass.com/lamprepair.html Good luck with it!
Thank You so much for the information you have provided. It helps alot!
If you are willing to replace the patina, be careful taking the lamp apart. The nicest looking finish is "Hand rubbed bronze". You should be able to find places that do baby shoes and stuff like that. If the lamp sockets are old, so not replace them. If you have it rewired, do not let the electrician replace the shells and pull chains, Many times an electrician will do this and keep them because they are valuable in themselves. The correct wiring should be period style cloth covered and plug should be the bakelite style. Restoring the lamp doesn't add add thousands to the value, but it is rewarding and might even start a new hobby, it did for me and now I even make money at it. If you get it all done, your should repost before and after pics for all of us to admire.