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Stiffel Candlesticks

When Ted Stiffel (1899–1971) founded Stiffel in 1932 in Chicago, he wanted to make functional, thoughtfully designed table lamps, floor lamps and other fixtures that were available at an accessible price. Born in Memphis, Stiffel first pursued a career in music before serving in World War I. After his discharge, he worked with the Western Electric Company in Chicago and then the Nellie J. Kaplan Company, a lighting firm also in the Windy City.

After he started his own lamp business, Stiffel began supplying area department stores and by the 1940s had opened a large factory that was producing lamps for nationwide sale, eventually competing with the likes of the Frederick Cooper Lamp Company, also based in Chicago.

In 1948, designer Edwin J. Cole joined the company and created some of the firm’s most striking table lamps. Today, Cole’s vintage mid-century modern lighting fixtures for Stiffel, frequently with distinctively tall and shapely ceramic bodies and finished with decorative brass chinoiserie details, are highly prized by collectors.

One of Stiffel’s innovations was his patented switch, which simplified turning lights on and off: All someone had to do was grasp a lamp’s pole and gently pull down. He also designed a pole lamp with a vertical tube that held a series of fixtures on the outside. The upright pole lamp was so innovative that Sears, Roebuck and Company copied it. Stiffel sued, and the case ended up in the Supreme Court in 1964. The ruling against Stiffel was influential in whether states can give a patent to objects that do not have the invention required of federal patents.

After declaring bankruptcy in 2000, the brand was revived in 2013 in Linden, New Jersey, where newly produced high-quality lamps carry the Stiffel name.

Find a collection of vintage Stiffel lamps and other lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Stiffel
Stiffel Enamel Brass Candlestick Lamps with Dupioni Silk Shades
Stiffel Enamel Brass Candlestick Lamps with Dupioni Silk Shades

Stiffel Enamel Brass Candlestick Lamps with Dupioni Silk Shades

$644Sale Price / set|20% Off

Stiffel Enamel Brass Candlestick Lamps with Dupioni Silk Shades

By Stiffel

Located in Lake Worth, FL

For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Lighting Acquisitions Of A Pair of Vintage Stiffel Enamel...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Candlesticks

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Stiffel candlesticks for sale on 1stDibs.

Stiffel candlesticks are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of silk and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original candlesticks by Stiffel were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 1960s. Prices for Stiffel candlesticks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $805 and can go as high as $805, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $805.

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Questions About Stiffel Candlesticks

  • Are Stiffel lamps valuable?

    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    No, Stiffel lamps are not extremely valuable. These lamps typically sell for anywhere between $100 and $500. These lamps are high quality, however, and will last a lifetime.

  • How do I identify a Stiffel lamp?

    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    To identify a Stiffel lamp, first try to locate the brand's foil tag. Usually, the tag will read "SLC," “Stiffel Lamp Company" or “Stiffel.” You may find it on the shade, the base or the light socket. Because these tags tended to come loose over time, a vintage Stiffel lamp may no longer have one. If you can't find a label, examine your lamp closely. Stiffel has produced lamps out of high-quality bronze, brass, pewter and silver, so their pieces tend to be weighty. A light lamp that seems hollow is unlikely to be a Stiffel. Looking at images of Stiffel lamps shared on trusted online resources can also be helpful during the identification process. In addition, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can identify your lamp for you if you run into any difficulty. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Stiffel lamps.

  • Do they still make Stiffel lamps?

    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Stiffel lamps are still in production. With a variety of lamp styles available, the Stiffel Lamp Company has a rich history rooted in unique, art-driven design made with high-quality materials. On 1stDibs, find a unique collection of authentic Stiffel lamps.

  • Are Stiffel lamps made in China?

    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Stiffel lamps are not made in China. The Stiffel Lamp Company was founded in 1932 in Chicago and throughout its many years in business, they proudly still produce all their products in America. Browse a selection of Stiffel lamps on 1stDibs.

  • How do I identify a Stiffel brass lamp?

    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify a Stiffel brass lamp, look for the maker's markings, which may include “Stiffel Lamp Company," "SLC" or “Stiffel." Locations of markings varied over time, and they appeared in the form of both etched signatures and foiled labels. Check your lamp’s switch, shade, bulb interior, neck and base for these markings. If you can't find a Stiffel mark, it may have once had a paper label that has since become detached. In this case, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Find a selection of Stiffel lamps on 1stDibs.

  • How do I identify vintage Stiffel lamps?

    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify vintage Stiffel lamps, first check a piece for any markings. Nearly all Stiffel lamps have a marking at least on the switch, but some also feature large foil stamps on their bases or bulb sockets. By comparing the marks on your lamp to images and descriptions published on trusted online resources, you can often determine approximately when Stiffel produced your lamp. If your lamp is 20 to 99 years old, it is vintage. Older Stiffel lamps are antiques, and newer ones are contemporary. When in doubt, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Find an assortment of Stiffel lamps on 1stDibs.