Expert: Rex Ransome - 1/31/2008

Question
QUESTION: i have found a very cute little finger lamp that can stand by itself or be wall mounted and on the bottom it has dog's head brand and made in British cc Hong Kong. how old is this lamp? and if its valuable? i cant find any information on it can you help?

ANSWER: Can you send me a picture?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: yes i can im sorry. id would love as much info as i can get it has made a great impact on my collection.

Answer
Hi, Hong Kong was occupied by England from 1842 until officially 1997, however after WWII they were basically not truly occupied. Anyway these lamps were made from the 1940s through the 70s. Yours is probably from the 40s. Unfortunately they are not as valuable as you would think. That is because there were so many made. Also for a long time things made in Hong Kong were considered cheap and novelty items by Americans. This lamp is neat, but worth around $15. I am sending you a link to someone who has a very similar lamp for sale. He claims his lamp was made between 1841 and 1941, but I think it was made later than that. Thanks!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Brass-Miniature-OIL-Lamp-British-Hong-Kong_W0QQitemZ