Question 1

How do you identify an old lamp?

Accepted Answer

To identify an old lamp, first look for the maker's markings. You may find an etched or stamped marking or a paper or foil label on the base, socket, winding knob or neck of your lamp. By researching this marking using information published on trusted online resources, you may be able to determine who produced it. Another approach is to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer assist with the identification process. Explore a selection of antique and vintage floor lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 2

How do I refinish an old metal desk?

Accepted Answer

The best way to refinish an old metal desk is to start by cleaning the desk. Ensure that the surface is free of dust and rust, then prime the desk with one to two coats of primer. And dependent upon its condition, a coat of any metal paint can freshen up an old metal desk. Browse a wide selection of vintage metal desks on 1stDibs.

Question 3

How can you tell if an old lamp is valuable?

Accepted Answer

To tell if an old lamp is valuable, conduct research using trusted online resources. Start by determining who manufactured your lamp by looking for a maker's mark on the base or the bulb socket. Once you know who produced your lamp, you can look to see how much similar pieces have sold for in the past to get a rough idea of the potential value of your piece. Generally, the maker, age, style and condition of a lamp all impact its market value. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can perform a valuation using these criteria and tell you how much your lamp is worth. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of lamps.

Question 4

How can I tell how old a lamp cord is?

Accepted Answer

A lamp cord is a pretty good indicator as to how old the lamp is. If the cord looks old, it most likely is. Also, the plug itself will have prongs that are the same size, compared with modern plugs that have one side larger than the other side. Shop a collection of antique lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

How do I fix an old table lamp?

Accepted Answer

To fix an old table lamp, take it to an appliance or lighting repair shop that has experience working with the type of fixture that you have. Many problems can cause an old table lamp to stop working. A professional can determine the cause and use the correct tools to address it. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage table lamps.

Question 6

What is an old-fashioned lamp called?

Accepted Answer

What you call an old-fashioned lamp depends on its design. Lamps with glass shades and hollow bases that get filled with oil are kerosene, oil or paraffin lamps. An oil lamp with two reservoirs is a cruise lamp, while one with a swinging arm is a student lamp. Shop a variety of antique, vintage and modern lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 7

How can you tell how old a lamp is by the cord?

Accepted Answer

To tell how old a lamp is by the cord, look at the plug. Antique lamps and older vintage lamps will often have plugs with prongs that are the same size, while more recent fixtures will feature polarized plugs, which have one large prong and one small prong. Antique lamps often feature exposed wires or fabric covers on their cords. You'll usually find PVC or plastic covers on newer lamps. Keep in mind that older lamps may have been rewired over the years, so the cord isn't always a reliable way to date a lamp. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can examine your lamp and use multiple factors to determine its age. Find a large collection of lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 8

How do you identify an old floor lamp?

Accepted Answer

To identify an old floor lamp, first try to locate a maker's marking. Manufacturers typically mark floor lamps on the base, neck or socket. Once you've found a marking, you can use trusted online resources to learn more about the maker and your specific piece. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer examine your lamp. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of antique and vintage floor lamps.

Question 9

How can you tell how old a glass lamp is?

Accepted Answer

To tell how old a glass lamp is, first look for markings that can help identify the name of the manufacturer. Many makers placed markings or labels on the bulb’s housing or the bases of the lamps they produced. By using trusted online resources, you can determine when the maker was active and estimate the age of the fixture. Certified appraisers can also be of assistance when trying to date lamps. Shop a range of glass lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What old lamps are worth money?

Accepted Answer

Many old lamps may be worth money. Generally, the type, style, maker, age and condition influence the value of vintage and antique lamps. Lighting by certain makers tends to be collectible. Examples include lamps by Poul Henningsen, Holophane, Woka Lamps and Louis Comfort Tiffany and his company, Tiffany Studios. If you have an old lamp and want an estimate of its value, contact a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Find a large selection of lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What is an old-fashioned writing desk called?

Accepted Answer

What an old-fashioned writing desk is called varies by design. Pieces with drop-down fronts are secretary desks (these are typically made of two parts: a chest of drawers on the bottom and a hutch or cupboard with shelves on the top), while ones that rest on two pillars, cabinets or bookcases are pedestal desks. A desk with a small writing surface positioned in front of drawers and cubbies is a bureau à gradin. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of desks.

Question 12

What is a good desk lamp?

Accepted Answer

A good desk lamp is going to make a substantial difference in any home, office or studio. The ideal desk lamp should provide apt task lighting, be easy to use, and also be aesthetically pleasing. Find a wide range of unique and elegant desk lamps on 1stDibs today.

Question 13

Who invented the desk lamp?

Accepted Answer

No one knows for sure who invented the desk lamp, as many engineers worked on designs for lamps during the 1920s. Many experts cite the Anglepoise lamp, however, as the earliest iteration of the modern desk lamp. Since its 1934 debut, this ingenious task light has become one of the most celebrated examples of industrial design.

How the Anglepoise came to be is the stuff of design legend: In 1932, a vehicle-suspension engineer by the name of George Carwardine joined forces with a West Midlands springs manufacturer, Herbert Terry & Sons, to create a mechanism by which opposed springs would, as Carwardine explained, exert a “unidirectional constant force” on a pivoted lever that could counteract the force of gravity.

This invention was not destined for an auto but for a lamp Carwardine was developing. The innovation would allow the piece’s articulated arm to be moved with ease to almost any position and remain there. As the product of engineering acumen rather than fashion, the Anglepoise soon became a favorite among modernist architects and designers, who interpreted it as “a machine for lighting,” just as Le Corbusier had reimagined the house as “a machine for living in.”

The Angelpoise's rivals include the 1930 Bestlite, which was one of the earliest Bauhaus-influenced designs, created by Robert Dudley Best, who had studied under Walter Gropius at the Bauhaus in Dessau. German modernist Karl Trabert’s 1930s desk lamp for Schanzenbach & Co. was notable for its domed shade above a hinged arm.

Find vintage table lamps and other lighting on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What is the best desk lamp?

Accepted Answer

The best desk lamp is a matter of preference — the right fixture can help you work more efficiently while also reducing eye strain. LED desk lamps in the 2700K to 4500K color temperature range often provide a warm and pleasing light under which to work. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and modern desk lamps from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What is the best LED desk lamp?

Accepted Answer

There are many types of best LED desk lamps for your home — it's really a matter of preference. On 1stDibs, there are modern, mid-century modern desk lamps and other lighting to choose from.

Question 16

Who designed the Anglepoise desk lamp?

Accepted Answer

British designer George Carwardine designed the Anglepoise desk lamp. Before creating the light fixture, he worked as an engineer designing automobile suspension systems. The first Anglepoise lamps debuted in 1931. You can find a variety of Anglepoise desk lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What are green desk lamps called?

Accepted Answer

The desk lamps with the green shade are called banker’s lamps. Banker’s lamps are green because it is believed the color helps to encourage concentration and is mentally soothing. It is also said that green helps with eye strain. You can shop a selection of banker’s lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Old Desk Lamp

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Articulated desk lamp in chrome metal by André Lavigne for Aluminor 1960.

Vintage 1950s French Industrial Table Lamps

Industrial style metal desk lamp with two articulated arms by Jean-Louis Domecq

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Augustus Desk Lamp by E. Ferrari for Oldtimer Ferrari Otf, Original Box, 60s

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Old Silver Plated French Triple Bouillotte Desk Lamp A lovely piece, an old sil

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industrial desk lamp

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1960's Brass Three Column Desk Original Lamp By Kamenicky Senov

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Old industrial metal table/desk lamp

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Old French Notary or Bankers Desk Lamp, circa 1930

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1950s Desk Lamp in Brass with V-Shaped Foot and the Original Old White Lacquer

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Original Old Edition, Nice Desk Lamp, Anno 1960

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Original Old Edition, Nice Desk Lamp, Anno 1960

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Nice Desk Lamp Old Edition, in the Style of Stilnovo, Anno 1960

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1950's Hillebrand Desk lamp

Old Desk Lamp For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much is an Old Desk Lamp?