Art Deco industrial designer Walter von Nessen is best known for his glamorous Machine Age lighting designs and for his invention of the swing-arm lamp. Von Nessen was born in Germany, where he studied under Bruno Paul at Berlin’s Kunstgewerbeschule. After World War I, he worked for the architect Peter Behrens, in Berlin. He left in 1919 for Stockholm, where he designed furniture until emigrating with his wife, Margaretta, to the United States in 1923. In 1927, the couple opened Nessen Studios in Manhattan, designing and selling sleek, modern architectural lighting.
Art Deco was both novel and exciting in the late 1920s — as, indeed, was electricity itself — and Nessen Studios was at the forefront of the movement. Electric lighting designers at the time had no direct models to follow. The shapes and silhouettes of gas lamps, lanterns and chandeliers had been influenced by those of the kerosene-, oil- and candle-lit fixtures that preceded them, which in turn were informed by the fuels they used. Electric lighting required designs that accommodated essentials of the new technology, like cords and sockets. Von Nessen and his contemporaries thus had to create fixtures that addressed these challenges and looked modern without appearing overly mechanical.
Along with industrial-design visionaries of the period like Raymond Loewy, Gilbert Rohde and Donald Deskey, von Nessen crafted a style that was emblematic of the Machine Age. He produced lamps and home accessories from spun aluminum, with smooth surfaces that evoked the polished gleam of streamlined automobiles and airplanes. And he experimented with other popular materials of the era, such as Bakelite, chrome and fiberglass. His ingenious design for the now-ubiquitous swing-arm lamp earned him a reputation as an innovator.
Von Nessen’s work is represented in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Museum, among other institutions. Designed to complement the luxurious interiors of the 1920s and ‘30s, still look fresh nearly a century later.
Walter Von Nessen Enameled Brass & Glass Desk Lamp, Circa 1935
By Walter Von Nessen, Miller Lamp Company
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Walter von Nessen Enameled Brass, Steel & Glass Table Lamp for Miller Lamp Company, Circa 1935. Featuring a Pagoda style form, with step up Art Deco styled column with patina to...
Brass, Steel
Pair of Copper Arts & Crafts Style Bookends
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
A unique pair of copper Arts & Crafts style bookends, circa 1930s. Each piece is in good vintage condition measuring approximately 2"D x 3.25W x 4"H; they feature a mix of copper an...
Brass, Copper
Walter Von Nessen Floor Lamp Early Version
By Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studio
Located in New York, NY
Early and rare version of the now iconic Machine Age Nessen swing arm floor lamp. The construction of this example dates the lamp from the...
Steel
Art Deco Chrome & Cobalt Blue Glass Candleholders by Walter Von Nessen for Chase
By Chase and Co., Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of Art Deco candleholders, designed by Walter Von Nessen for Chase in circa 1935, embodies the innovative elegance of Machine Age design. Von Nessen's work is cele...
Chrome
Pair 1970s Walter Von Nessen Style Chrome Swing Arm Floor Lamps with Shades
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair 1970s Walter Von Nessen Style Chrome Swing Arm Floor Lamps with Shades, A sleek and versatile pair of vintage chrome floor lamps in the style of Walter Von Nessen, dating to t...
Chrome
Walter Von Nessen Brass Swing Arm Table Lamp with Adjustable Cylindrical Shade
By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Attractive and highly functional desk / table lamp by Walter Von Nessen for his eponymous Nessen Studio (ca. 1970s, New York City). Features a swing arm and pivoting, perforated, cyl...
Brass
Art Deco Machine Age Chrome and Black Torchiere Uplight Floor Lamp, Ca. 1930's
By Gilbert Rohde, Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
Rare Machine Age, Art Deco chrome and black uplight, torchiere, in very good, original, clean and working condition. Circa 1930's design in the style of Rohde, Deskey, Von Nessen etc...
Brass, Chrome
Pair of Vintage Chrome Walter Von Nessen Swing Arm Wall of Sconce Lamps
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
A rare pair of chrome Walter Von Nessen swing arm wall lamps .The arms articulate in different directions and lengths. The shades are milk g...
Chrome
Art Deco Chrome "Taurex" Candlestick Holders by Walter Von Nessen for Chase
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of "Taurex" candlestick holders, designed by Walter Von Nessen for the Chase Brass & Copper Company, exemplifies the elegance and innovation of American Art De...
Chrome
Art Deco Brass Toy Soldier Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen for Chase
By Chase and Co., Walter Von Nessen
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare and difficult to find Art Deco brass & bakelite "Toy Soldier" table lamp by Walter Von Nessen for Chase, circa 1930s. The lamp is in very good working condition and measu...
Brass
Pair of Art Deco Nickel Horse Bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co.
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice and hard to find pair of Machine Age / Art Deco satin nickel horse bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co., circa 1930s. The solid nickel bookends on a black ni...
Nickel
Mid Century Von Nessen Chrome Table Lamp with an Acrylic White Dome Shade
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Von Nessen chrome table lamp with an acrylic white dome shade, sometimes called a mushroom lamp. Minimal and sleek design done in the 60s or 70s with a very shiny chrome cyli...
Chrome
Walter Von Nessen Aluminum Swing Arm Floor Lamp
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Walter Von Nessen Aluminum Swing Arm Floor Lamp ,, Wonderful example,, Retains original parchment shade (missing some boon-doggle) Minor dent to bottom,,3-way lamp (bulb) capability,...
Aluminum
Modernist Leather and Steel Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen c 1960's
By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
Chic and sophisticated Modernist School table lamp by Walter Von Nessen, made by Nessen Studios. The cylindrical body is wrapped in black leather, the base is chrome and the top is ...
Steel, Chrome
$700Sale Price / set|61% Off
Early Pair of Von Nessen Swing Arm Table Lamps
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A rare pair of brushed chrome desk lamps, with the original early light switches on the base of the lamps.
Chrome
Rare Art Deco Cat Bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase Mfg.
By Chase Brass and Copper Company, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Buffalo, NY
In the early 1930's, when building all but came to a halt, the Chase Mfg. Company, a copper plumbing parts supplier, hired several young modern industrial designers to make inexpensi...
Brass
Coffee Urn, "Coronet Pattern", Model No. 90121
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare Art Deco Coffee Urn, "Coronet Pattern", Model No. 90121 designed by Walter Von Nessen. Fantastic vintage conditions.
Steel
Pair of Walter & Greta Von Neesen Stainless Cylindrical Table Lamps, circa 1965
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of stainless cylindrical table lamps by the Nessen lighting Co. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear, no scratches or dings to the metal. Sold as a pair. Sh...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Machine Age Art Deco Copper & Brass Bookends by Walter Von Nessen
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Machine Age Art Deco Copper & Brass Bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase Manufacturing "stamped label on the side of one if the verticals" "top of base is monogramme...
Brass, Copper
Iconic Walter Von Nessen Swing Arm Desk Lamp with Original Metal Shade
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful example of the iconic modernist swing arm desk lamp by Von Nessen. The lamp features a precisely machined articulating base, and the almost never seen original metal shade....
Steel
Chase Three Piece Comet Tea Service Set with Bakelite Accents
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three-piece spherical tea set by Walter von Nessen for Chase, USA, c.1940s. The set includes an electric tea pot, creamer and sugar bowl with bone colored Bakelite handles. The chrom...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Extremely Rare Modernist Art Deco Settee/Bench by Walter von Nessen c.1929
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely Rare Pair Modernist Settee/ Bench designed by Walter von Nessen , circa 1929. retains it's original color, finish, patina, They're has been some minor professional restor...
Birch
$1,950Sale Price|72% Off
Walter Von Nessen Aluminum Table Lamp, Art Deco Machine Age, Circa 1938, USA
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Camden, ME
A Walter Von Nessen aluminum table lamp pre WW II. A classic example of American Art Deco lighting. Walter Von Nessen was a trained German industrial designer who arrived in New Yo...
Aluminum, Brass
1970s Modernist Chrome Cylinder Von Nessen Table Lamp New York
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Walter Von Nessen Midcentury Modern 1970s Bronx NY Single Table Lamp Chrome Plated Modern Cylinder Tower Black Platform Base. Two socket lamp. No shade...
Chrome
Three-Piece Tea Set with Tray by Walter Von Nessen for Chase
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three piece tea set with round tray by Walter von Nessen for Chase, USA, c.1930s. The set includes a tea pot, creamer and sugar bowl with Bakelite handles. The round tray showcases a...
Copper
Chrome Lamp with Burlap Shade by Nessen Lighting
By Nessen Lighting, Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chrome lamp with burlap shade by Nessen Lighting. Dimensions listed (14 in. diameter x 22 in. tall) are the overall dimensions of the lamp with the shade.
Steel, Chrome
$4,800 / set
Pair of AF 4 Table Lamps by Walter von Nessen
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of small aluminum AF 4 table lamps with brass tips designed by Walter von Nessen.
Aluminum
Pair of Machine Age Art Deco Copper & Brass Bookends by Walter Von Nessen
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
Located in St. Louis, MO
A pair of Art Deco bookends by Walter Von Nessen feature two concentric rings of brass and copper with three sphere accents on each. These bookends are a great example of the Machin...
Brass, Copper
Brass Vase by Walter von Nessen for Chase
By Chase Brass and Copper Company, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass vase by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The solid patinated brass Art Deco vase features a tulip opening and four incised rings around the bottom of the vessel. Impr...
Brass
Pair of Nessen NT754 Polished Brass and Chrome Table Lamps
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in St. Louis, MO
Listed are a pair of Nessen NT754 polished brass with chrome disc. Shades are not original, (nice but not perfect), lamps are in very nice condition. Switch at bottom of lamp column,...
Chrome, Brass
$628Sale Price|30% Off
WALTER VON NESSEN 1930 For Chase Lacquered Toy-Soldier Figure In Gilt Brass
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Miami, FL
Art deco figure designed by Walter Von Nessen for Chase Usa Co. This is a beautiful Streamline decorative desk figure created during the Art Deco period by Walter Von Nessen for the...
Brass, Enamel
Art Deco Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen
By Walter Von Nessen, Kurt Versen, Kem Weber
Located in Chicago, IL
Fairly rare Art Deco Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen uncertain if the parts were repainted at some point in time Ivory White. Or if this was factory painted this way. My hunch is t...
Metal
Walter Von Nessen Art Deco Table Lamp
By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Table lamp designed by Walter Von Nessen c.1930s, USA. The lamp features an aluminum cone shade and round base with a curved brass stem. Dimensions 14" diameter x "17.5" height; 8.2...
Aluminum, Brass
Walter Von Nessen Walnut and Chrome Table Lamp, USA, Mid-Century
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage table lamp designed by Walter Von Nessen, featuring a refined combination of warm walnut wood and polished chrome accents. This sculptural lamp reflects Von Nessen’s ...
Chrome
Early Walter Von Nessen Swing Arm Wall and Table Lamp in Brushed aluminum
By Nessen Lighting, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early examples . Classic and seldom seen Walter Von Nessen Swing Arm Wall (sconce) and matching Table Lamp in Brushed aluminum,, Both retain original lamp shades ,with white metal di...
Metal, Aluminum
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Walter Von Nessen Art Deco Chrome Table Lamp! Mid Century Modern Decorator Rare
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Peoria, AZ
ONE OF THE MOST COVETED NESSEN LAMPS IN THE WORLD! MINIMALIST ART DECO STYLE! CHROME RING BASE WITH TRIPOD TOWER STRUCTURE! WHITE LINEN SHADE (APPROX. 24" TALL By 18" WIDE ) Th...
Metal, Chrome
Modernist Walnut and Brass Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist walnut and brass table lamp by Walter Von Nessen, stunning walnut base, brushed brass standard, retains original milk glass c...
Metal, Brass
Gold Calacatta Italian Marble Cylindrical Table Lamp by Nessen Lamps Inc., 1960s
By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Laurel Lamp Company, Nessen Lighting
Located in Miami, FL
Iconic Mid 20th Century Modern marble table lamp by Nessen Lighting, designed by Walter Von Nessen, circa 1960's. Engraved signature on socket and labeled on bottom. This VERY HEAVY...
Marble, Brass
Walter Von Nessen Cylindrical Marble Base Table Lamp for Nessen Studios
By Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walter von Nessen marble lamp c.1960s, USA. The table lamp features a cylindrical marble base, chrome stem, with double bulb socket and pull chains....
Marble, Metal, Chrome
Art Deco Brass Vases by Walter Von Nessen with Cobalt Blue Accents
By Chase Brass and Copper Company, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of brass vases by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The pair of solid patinated brass Art Deco vases feature a tulip opening ...
Brass
14 pc. Art Deco Heisey Stanhope Dessert Set Designed by Walter Von Nessen 1930's
By Walter Von Nessen, Heisey Glass Company
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Art Deco, Machine Age, Hollywood Regency style dessert set designed by Walter Von Nessen, for Heisey, as part of the hard to find Stanhope series. The seat is in excellen...
Glass, Plastic
Walter Von Nessen Antiqued Brass Swing Arm Library Lamp
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
Walter Von Nessen by Nessen Studio / library table lamp in antiqued brass finish. USA, circa 1970. Features a swing arm and pivoting, perforated, cylindrical shade. Complemented b...
Metal, Brass
Original Aluminum Van Nessen Swing Arm Floor Lamp
By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
Nice early example of the iconic Walter Von Nessen flex arm floor lamp, executed in aluminum. The lamp is in very good original clean and working condition showing only light signs ...
Aluminum
Pair of Machine Age Art Deco Bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous pair of machine age art deco bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co., circa 1930s. These are solid brass and copper bookends with three perpendicular rounded beams...
Brass, Copper
Rare Vintage Walter Von Nessen Swing Arm Desk Lamp Chrome Plated Steel 1970s
By Nessen Lighting, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This swing arm desk lamp was designed by Walter Von Nessen for production by his own studio in the 1960s. There are many versions of this design, some with circular domed bases and o...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Art Deco Copper Candlestick Holders by Walter von Nessen signed Chase
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pair of Art Deco copper candlestick holders, designed by renowned modernist Walter von Nessen for Chase Brass & Copper Company, exemplifies the bold elegance and strea...
Copper
1960's Modern Walter Von Nessen Carrara Marble Table Lamps
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
1960's mid-century modern solid Carrara Marble with brass hardware with original glass shades table lamps designed by Walter Von Nessen, in vintage original condition with minor wear...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Walter Von Nessen For Chase Brass And Copper Candlesticks
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
1940's Walter Von Nessen designed for Chase, in vintage condition with some wear and patina due to age and use, they have been hand polished they show some w...
Brass, Copper
Mid-Century Modernist Polished Brass Floor Lamp by Walter Von Nessen
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
Illuminate your space with the refined elegance of the Mid-Century Modernist Polished Brass Floor Lamp by Walter Von Nessen, a distinguished piece crafted in America during the 20th ...
Brass
Crescent Moon & Brass Art Deco Bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co.
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous pair of bakelite crescent moon and brass Art Deco bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co., circa 1930s. The bookends have a black bakelite crescent moon siitting o...
Brass
Walter Von Nessen Mid Century Desk / Table Lamp
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted flared cone shaped shaded white metal desk or table lamp with brushed stainless staff . The heavy round matching base has a push button switch with upper adjustab...
Metal, Stainless Steel
$1,516Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of MCM Walter Von Nessen Tall White Enameled Column Lamps
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of MCM Walter von Nessen tall white enameled column lamps Of minimalist design, with a 4.5-inch diameter standing 16-inches high to the top...
Metal
Tall Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studios Brass & Inlaid Walnut "Tower" Table Lamp
By Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studio
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Towering Walter Von Nessen designed Nessen Studios Walnut & Brass Table Lamp, 1960s. Featuring an architectural solid hardwood column with vertical brass inlay. Small footprint. ...
Brass
Vintage Walter Von Nessen Mid Century Modern Chrome Swing Arm Desk Lamp - a Pair
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Walter Von Nessen (Unmarked) Mid Century Modern Chrome Swing Arm Desk Lamps with Brown Painted Collars - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 14.5" H x 23" W x 8" D...
Chrome
$7,500 / set
Nessen Studio Marble Table Lamps in Black Marble
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful pair of black and white veined marble block table lamps by Nessen Studio. These lamps are very heavy. We have fitted for normal shades. Wi...
Marble, Metal
$140Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Art Deco Set of Sugar and Creamer Designed by Walter Von Nessen
By Walter Von Nessen, Manning Bowman
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare set of chrome sugar and creamer, with bakelite, handles designed by Walter Von Nessen, for Manning Bowman in very good condition, circa 1930s.
Chrome
$400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Art Deco Ship's Wheel Bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co.
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of Art Deco ship's wheel bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co., circa 1930s. The bookends are made of walnut, brass and bakelite...
Brass
Pair of Italian Polished Carrara Marble Table Lamps, Von Neesen
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Solid Pair of stunning Italian Carrara marble table lamps. Beveled vertical edges. UL listed double socket good for 300+ wattage. In...
Marble, Brass
Early Version Walter Von Nessen swing out floor lamp
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Buffalo, NY
One of the purest examples I have ever owned..Early and rare version of the now iconic Machine Age Nessen swing arm floor lamp. This lamp r...
Stainless Steel
Brushed Aluminum Art Deco Demilune Wall Sconces by Walter Von Nessen, Pair
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pair of brushed aluminum Art Deco wall sconces with polished accents designed by Walter Von Nessen. circa 1930s. Classic design.
Aluminum