Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

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.

Creator: Stiffel

Pair of Stiffel Lamps in Glazed Ceramic Bottle Form

$2,800 / set

Pair of Stiffel Lamps in Glazed Ceramic Bottle Form

By Stiffel

Located in Hanover, MA

Pair of Mid-Century Modern glazed ceramic bottle vase form lamps on brass bases, in bone with charcoal brown striations and subtle craqueleur to glazing. Each measures 42in to top of finial 24in to top of base. Brass bases are 6 inches square and have rich patination. See original ad from a 1960 Chicago Tribune.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Brass

Vintage Stiffel Mid-Century Modern Glazed Ceramic Lamp

$1,950

H 38 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in

Vintage Stiffel Mid-Century Modern Glazed Ceramic Lamp

By Stiffel

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A stunning vintage MCM table lamp. Made by the iconic Stiffel group. A chic brilliant blue glazed ceramic body with heavy brass details. Acquired from a...

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Brass

Pair of vintage Stiffel Brass Table Lamps

$1,210 / set

H 23.5 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in

Pair of vintage Stiffel Brass Table Lamps

By Stiffel

Located in Germantown, MD

A pair of vintage Stiffel brass table lamps. Heavy brass. Measures 6.5" in width, 6.5" in depth and 23.5" in height.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Brass

Pair Of Mid Century Stiffel Torchiere Table Lamps

$895 / set

H 39 in Dm 8 in

Pair Of Mid Century Stiffel Torchiere Table Lamps

By Stiffel

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Pair of mid century torchiere table lamps by Stiffel in brass with white enameling. The lamps with white glass shades with reeded raised design and embossed Stiffel as shown. The foo...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Metal

Pair of Stiffel Crackle Glaze Ceramic and Brass Moorish Style Table Lamps

$2,800Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 39 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in

Pair of Stiffel Crackle Glaze Ceramic and Brass Moorish Style Table Lamps

By Stiffel

Located in Chicago, IL

Excellent pair of brass and ceramic bodied Moorish style table lamps by Stiffel. Ceramic bodies are a mottled sea foam green crackle glazed u...

Category

1960s American Vintage Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Brass

Pair of Stiffel Mid Century Modern Brass Lamps

$2,200 / set

H 36 in Dm 16 in

Pair of Stiffel Mid Century Modern Brass Lamps

By Stiffel

Located in Atlanta, GA

Pair of Sculptural Mid Century Modern Lamps, by Stiffel, American, circa 1950s. They retain their original shades and brass finials. They have been rewired and are ready to use.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Metal, Brass

Original Stiffel Pair of Oversized Midcentury Ceramic Lamps

$3,950 / set

H 43 in W 6 in D 6 in

Original Stiffel Pair of Oversized Midcentury Ceramic Lamps

By Stiffel

Located in North Miami, FL

Pair of Mid-Century Modern glazed ceramic bottle vase form lamps on bronze bases, in bone with grey striations and subtle craqueleur to glazing. Double cluster sockets and silk rewir...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Brass

Pair Of Stiffel Tommi Parzinger Style Obelisk Lamps

$850 / set

H 36 in W 5 in D 5 in

Pair Of Stiffel Tommi Parzinger Style Obelisk Lamps

By Stiffel, Tommi Parzinger

Located in New York, NY

Pair Of Stiffel Tommi Parzinger Style Obelisk Lamps. Overall working useable condition and impressive size. Does have some original patina and wear to finish present.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Metal

Selection of Midcentury Ceramic Lamps

$1,500 / item

H 30 in Dm 12 in

Selection of Midcentury Ceramic Lamps

By Gordon Martz, Upsala Ekeby

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Lamps, circa 1950s - 1960s. They are priced at $1500 each. The price noted and measurements noted include the shade. They are all rewi...

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Metal

Pair of Turquoise Glazed Lamps

$1,920Sale Price / set|67% Off

H 36 in W 7 in D 5 in

Pair of Turquoise Glazed Lamps

Located in Palm Springs, CA

a pair of Marbro lamps. Beautifully glazed in a deep turquoise blue with marvelous mottling. Of rectangular baluster shape with floral decoration in deep relief. Double cluster brass...

Category

20th Century Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Brass

Vintage Stiffel Empire Neoclassical Style Urn Form Brass Table Lamps - a Pair

$325 / set

H 36 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in

Vintage Stiffel Empire Neoclassical Style Urn Form Brass Table Lamps - a Pair

By Stiffel

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Stiffel Empire Neoclassical Style Urn Form Brass and Ivory Enamel Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 36" H (to finial) x 26" H (to light socket) x 6...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of 1960's Large Ceramic Lamps With a Jade Crackle Glaze Finish by Stiffel.

$5,500 / set

H 33 in W 8 in D 8 in

Pair of 1960's Large Ceramic Lamps With a Jade Crackle Glaze Finish by Stiffel.

By Stiffel

Located in New York, NY

Wonderful large pair of ceramic lamps by Stiffel lamp company. The lamp bodies have a beautiful Jade green glaze finish and are Mounted on black finished bases with Antiqued bronzed ...

Category

1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Brass

Pair of Stiffel White Crackle Glazed Ceramic and Brass Table Lamps

$2,062Sale Price / set|25% Off

H 42.25 in W 7 in D 7 in

Pair of Stiffel White Crackle Glazed Ceramic and Brass Table Lamps

By Stiffel

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair of heavy bodied, white craquelure glazed ceramic table lamps. Patinated brass appointments from the best days of American premier lighting company, Stiffel. Sold sans shades.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items

Pair of Vibrant Blue Ceramic Lamps by Stiffel

Sold

H 42 in Dm 17 in

Pair of Vibrant Blue Ceramic Lamps by Stiffel

By Stiffel

Located in Atlanta, GA

Pair of vibrant blue ceramic lamps, designed for Stiffel, circa 1950s. These lamps are executed in a vibrant blue color with a wonderful craquelure glaze. Nice heavyweight brass fitt...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Brass

Pair of Asian Urn Form Lamps designed for Stiffel

Sold

H 40.5 in W 17 in D 18 in

Pair of Asian Urn Form Lamps designed for Stiffel

By Stiffel

Located in Atlanta, GA

Pair of Asian Urn Form Lamps, designed for Stiffel, circa 1950's. These lamps have a wonderful Asian influenced form with strong attention to detail. Nice he...

Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Brass

Stiffel serveware, ceramics, silver and glass for sale on 1stDibs.

Stiffel serveware, ceramics, silver and glass are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Stiffel serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original serveware, ceramics, silver and glass by Stiffel were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 1960s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider serveware, ceramics, silver and glass by Lee Rosen, Design Technics, and Warren MacKenzie. Prices for Stiffel serveware, ceramics, silver and glass can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,800 and can go as high as $2,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,800.

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Questions About Stiffel Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

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.

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