Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
How can I tell if a Tiffany lamp is real or not?
1 Answer

To tell if a Tiffany lamp is real, flip it over to reveal the base and pull up the cap. If you see a dull gray ring, you likely have an authentic lamp. Real Tiffany pieces feature a lead ring. Replicas usually use brass, zinc, painted metal, wood or plastic instead of lead. Find a variety of expertly vetted Tiffany lamps on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
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Shop for Tiffany Studios Table Lamps on 1stDibs
Exquisite Tiffany Studios Bronze & Leaded Glass "Feather" Table Lamp, Circa 1915
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This superb Tiffany Studios table lamp, dating to circa 1915, represents the height of American decorative artistry in the early twentieth century. With its refined conical leaded gl...
Category
Vintage 1910s American Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Materials
Cast Stone, Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York "Nautilus" Table Lamp With "Mermaid" Base
By Tiffany Studios
Located in New York, NY
In Tiffany Studios' exquisite "Nautilus" table lamp, a cast bronze mermaid emerges from a churning sea, holding a lighted nautilus shell aloft. This lamp, one of the few patented by Tiffany Studios, received its patent on May 2, 1899, and was featured in Siegfried Bing’s landmark Louis Comfort Tiffany exhibition at the Grafton Galleries. The mermaid base was sculpted by Louis Gudebrod, the only lamp base artist credited by Tiffany Studios.
The nautilus shell motif, prominent in European decorative arts of the 17th century, originated from Dutch ships that transported the shells from the South China Sea, some 15,000 miles away. These shells showcased the Dutch Republic's global mercantile strength, and Dutch painters often featured them in still-life works—many of which are now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Inspired by this artistic tradition, Tiffany transformed the iridescent shell into a table lamp. The shell softened and modulated the light, similar to the effect of Tiffany's Favrile glass shades, creating a warm glow reminiscent of the gas lighting familiar to the era.
Item #: L-21744
Artist: Tiffany Studios New York
Country: United States
Circa: 1899
Dimensions: 17.5" height, 4.75" width, 8" deep.
Materials: Nautilus shell, Bronze
Base Signed: GUDEBROD and Tiffany Studios New York
Literature: Alastair Duncan, "Tiffany Lamps and Metalware", Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2007, pg. 86, fig. 336.
Macklowe Gallery Curator's Notes:
The shape of the exotic nautilus, found in the western Pacific, has long been the muse of architects, artists, and designers. One only has to look to Grecian columns, to spiral staircases, or to the nautilus cups of the sixteenth century for examples. Louis Comfort Tiffany's glass interpretation of the "Nautilus" shell design was first displayed at the Paris Exposition Universelle 1900, where he was displaying the best lamps that he had to offer. By bringing this intricate and difficult-to-make model to the World's Fair, Tiffany was showing the international design world just how well-made and beautiful a Tiffany Studios New York lamp...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios 3 Light Lily Table Lamp, Base and Shades Signed, ca. 1905
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Petaluma, CA
This beautiful example is the work of the genius glass and lamp maker Louis Comfort Tiffany. The bronze base has a rich warm factory patina and is properly signed under the base. The three iridescent hand blown gold shades are original. They too are all signed "L.C.T., his initials, and that is how he signed his hand blown glass. Be aware that most of these lamps are not sold with the original signed shades which decreases the value by more than half. If you want Tiffany lamps, it's a good idea to have his glass, because that is where is genius was unmatched.
A wonderful lamp for someone who wants an authentic Tiffany lamp.
Category
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Doré Counterbalance Desk Lamp
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze counterbalance desk lamp or table lamp
By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside of base)
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Gi...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Table Lamps
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Harp Desk Lamp
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze harp desk lamp or table lamp
By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside of base)
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Table Lamps
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios Dogwood Floral Stained Glass Table Lamp
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany Studios Art Glass and Bronze Dogwood Table Lamp
Dogwood Band table lamp
New York, USA, c. 1910
Leaded glass, Patinated bronze
Height: 21.5 Inches X 16 Inches Diameter (55 × 4...
Category
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Materials
Bronze


