How do I know if my antique lamp is valuable?

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 you identify an antique lamp?

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.

What is a solid brass lamp worth?

At auction the price can range wildly from $5-$200 per lamp, depending on the condition, working, pitting and the shade being present or not.

How can you tell if a lamp is 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.

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.

What are the most expensive lamps?

5 MOST EXPENSIVE LAMPS IN THE WORLD

1. TIFFANY LAMP PINK LOTUS TIFFANY LAMP – $ 2,800,000.
2. KUWAITI MALL CHANDELIER CHANDELIER – $ 1,800,000.
3. TIFFANY WISTERIA LAMP – $ 1,565,000.
4. CHANDELIER SALVIATI – $ 1,000,000.
5. CLASSICAL FRENCH 48 CANDLE CHANDELIER – $ 740,000.

How do you tell if a lamp is a Stiffel?

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.

What is a Stiffel lamp?

The Stiffel Lamp Company, founded in Chicago in 1932 by Ted Stiffel, sought to use a variety of metals and creative designs in the lamps. The trademark feature of Stiffel lamps is a foil signature and a combination of metal and other materials in the composition of the lamp.

Are brass lamps outdated?

After a much-needed hiatus, brass returned in the late 2010s — and yes, brass fixtures are still in style today. In contrast to the chromed finish previously popular, trending brass fixtures have a subdued brushed or satin finish.

What is a Stiffel lamp 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.