Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Old Lamp

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Expert: Rex Ransome - 7/20/2008


Question

Lamp Picture
    Dear Mr. Ransome - I have a lamp that I am either the 3rd or 4th generation to have it.  I am assuming it was originally a kerosene lamp that was converted to eclectric sometime over the years.  Could you please identify the maker, its age, and an approximate value.
    The lamp is 19 1/2" tall including the glass chiminy and is 9 1/4" across the handles.  There are no identifying marks on the lamp other than the wording "Made in U.S. of America".  The globe is 7 1/2" in diameter and has 3 scenes which appear to be hand painted with shades of blue paints.  The painters initials are L.H.  There are 2 seaside windmill scenes and 1 seaside country home scene.  The globe also has a metal rim around the top.  The lamp is electric but the cord is in very bad condition and needs to be replaced before it is plugged in.  The lamp is in excellent condition.  All components are in working condition.  There are 3 very small dents in the top of the base.  The globe is in mint condition.  The chiminy says Crescent with a crescent moon and a star.  The wick adjustment knob turns freely and raises easily up and down.  The oil fill cap unscrews easily as do the 3 components that make up the base area of the chiminy.  The electric cord from the push button switch leading up to the light bulb is fabric wrapped while the 9' cord leading to the plug is rubber like and very deteriorated.  The pushbutton switch is in excellent condition and is worked into the filligree openings of the base such that there is no damage to the base.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Answer
That's a nice lamp that has been converted from oil to electric. It is probably from the mid to late 1800s. If that is the original shade I would estimate its value to be around $400. If it was wired in a way that the oil tank could still function then its value could be between $600 and $800. If that is a reproduction shade then the lamp would be worth around $200. That's all I can tell you.

Thanks

Rex Ransome

Expertise

I can answer most questions concerning antique and vintage lamps. I also repair and refurbish these kinds of lamps. If I don't know the answer I can research and find out.

Experience

Antique sales; antique repair; estate sales

Education/Credentials
B.A. Journalism; M.S. Human Resource Development

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