I'm not sure why but I am very lucky when it comes to finding expensive lamps for a really good deal. Back in February when I first started my blog, I featured a
post about my Phyllis Morris lamps that I now treasure. At that same sale, I also purchased a pair of Murano Glass lamps for a steal that I featured in my
Bombshell Boudoir post.
Last week during the picking frenzy to get ready for the tag sale, mom and I walked into one of my usual spots. There sitting up on the counter were two striking lamps. A pair!! As I raced over to get a closer look, I could tell they were not your typical lamps. They were very heavy and made of glass or some type of high glazed pottery. Either way you could tell there was art and craftsmanship behind the pieces so I snatched them up and went on with the day looking for more pieces. It was not until that night that mom and I really looked closer at the lamps. I don't know how we missed it but there clearly on each socket is the Stiffel label.
Ted Stiffel was an artist and designer who specialized in stained glass panels before he opened the Stiffel Lamp Company in 1932 in Chicago. Stiffel's philosophy was lamps should be functional works of art. Between the two World Wars, the modernistic style of Art Deco flourished and influenced architecture, interior and industrial design, furnishing, and even movie sets. Ted Stiffel made use of the minimalist clean lines typical of art deco. His lamps were thin and lean with a more sculptured look instead of the ornate, bulky Gothic and Victorian styles of the day. His company made them in the groundbreaking, modernist style that defied its competitor's traditional fashion during the height of the Great Depression. Stiffel employed glass makers, metalworkers and designers who brought their expertise to his designs.
I was able to find one lamp identical (except in color) to mine on the Internet. Of course it is on
1stdibs so I'm not sure how well I can use that to judge the value but at least it is a start. For now, they are happy in their new home and I'm loving them!!
1stdibs lamp
Turquoise Pottery Lamps
United States
1950's
Fabulous brass mounted pottery lamps by Stiffel. Rare turquoise and burgundy colorway. Original harps and finials. Price is for taller lamp, shorter lamp is $1550
Price$1,750
Condition* Excellent, rewired. Taller lamp has original shade, also excellent, can be included if you wish.
Measurements height: 42.75 in. (109 cm)
second height: 34 in. (86 cm)
depth: 5.75 in. (15 cm)
width/length: 5.75 in. (15 cm)
diameter: 15 in. (38 cm)
Specifications Number of items: 1
Materials/Techniques: pottery, brass
Creator: Stiffel
