Collectibles-General (Antiques)/old lamp

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Expert: Rex Ransome - 7/10/2008


Question

antique lamp with glob
Hi Rex - -- I have an old lamp that was my grandmothers, - its about 5' tall.   It has a beautiful flowered globe on the top and then intricate carving on the metal all the way down to the 3 claw feet.   I found a mark either carved or stamped on it and it says  A F'D  June 16, 1891.   the lamp use to be oil burning with a wisk I think as it still has the glass cover around the wick and someone has converted it to electrical.  Is this worth anything at all ?   I do have other pictures if you would like to see them

Answer
This is what was called a piano floor lamp and was originally an oil burning lamp popular in the 1800s and very early 1900s. It is more than likely solid brass. Mfgs like Bradley and Hubbard were known for these type. If it is a B&H it is worth probably $800 to $1000. The marking B&H would be on the tank, burner area. If that is the original globe it could be worth more. If it is from a lesser famous Mfg it is still worth around $350 to $450. What you are probably reading (but is distorted or worn away) is PAT'D June 16, 1891.

Thanks
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    Commentthank you so much....now we know what it is and the approximate value. we are going to look and see if we can find a B & H somewhere.


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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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