Expert: William J Perkins - 12/17/2009

Question
My brother found an old lamp at a thrift store and we're wondering if its valuable.  It is black enameled china like with gold gilt trim.  It has two built in vases, one on each side.  It has a clock in the middle with the lamp above.  The clock has the model #T3 and the patent of Lanshire.  I have posted a picture at http://mysite.verizon.net/vzevgj3j/Whorelamp.jpg  Popular lore around Petersburg VA was that lamps like this were placed in the windows of houses of ill repute.  If only one vase had flowers, accommodations were available.  If both vases had flowers, the house was full. If you can give us any information on this lamp, we'd appreciate it.

Thanks.

Wes Lucas

Answer
What a great story!!!  Unfortunately I can't help you, I have got to think about this some more.  About 10 years ago I fell in with a retired fellow, such as myself, at a NAWCC affair.  We got to talking and it turned out he was connected to the Lanshire firm for many years and was truly a fountain of information on things Lanshire.  We remained in contact on a business and social basis for quite some time.  Unfortunately I can not bring his name nor address to mind.  Somewhere, in my stored shop records, I know I have him listed.  Anyway I will try to find him for you so you can pose your question to him.  Although I cannot, at this time, help you, I would really like a picture of this clock.  I wasn't able to penetrate the site you posted the picture to.  Regards WJP


JUST TO LET YOU KNOW I HAVE NOT FORGOTTON.  I AM STILL LOOKING!!!!  WJP