Stiffel lamps often contain a foil signature decal on the bottom of the lamp’s metal or high-quality wood base. Look for “Stiffel Lamp Company,” “SLC” or “Stiffel” on the decal or etched into the bottom of the lamp’s base.

How do you tell if a lamp is a Stiffel?

Stiffel lamps often contain a foil signature decal on the bottom of the lamp’s metal or high-quality wood base. Look for “Stiffel Lamp Company,” “SLC” or “Stiffel” on the decal or etched into the bottom of the lamp’s base.

How do you know if a lamp is valuable?

Lamps are often more valuable when left in an original condition with most or all the original parts. Lightly scratch the underside of the lamp surface to determine the type of material it is made from. Some lamps may appear to be made of metal, but they might also be painted to look and feel just like metal.

Where are lamps marked?

Whenever you’re trying to identify antiques, a good rule of thumb is to look for a maker’s hallmark, which is typically in an inconspicuous place. Look under the base of the lamp for the hallmark. It can also be a symbol or date stamp, which is really helpful.

How can you tell if a lamp is brass or brass plated?

If the magnet sticks, the item is usually steel or cast iron, with a brass plating. If the magnet does not stick, you can test further by scratching a hidden area with a sharp tool. If you see a shiny yellow scratch, the item is likely solid brass.

Are Stiffel lamps brass?

Stiffel has been making brass lamps of the highest quality since 1932 and it is why Brass Lamps re-sell at a higher value than any other metal material used or any other coating used.

Are Stiffel lamps solid brass?

“The new Stiffel line will be targeted toward lighting showrooms and high-end shops as opposed to the mass merchants that had ended up distributing the brand through its last days at retail. “The lamps will have solid brass sockets and feature high-quality plating,” Filler explains.

Can you tell how old a lamp is by the plug?

In an electric lamp, the cord often reveals the clue to the lamp’s age, unless the cord has been replaced. Inspect the cord; if it looks old, the lamp probably is as well. The metal prongs on the plug are likely the same size, rather than one end that is larger than the other.

How do I identify my lamp manufacturer?

Antique Lamp Supply recommends picking up the lamp and looking for a manufacturer’s symbol, name or date stamp embedded into the base. Also look on the lighting fixture itself; sometimes, the manufacturer includes a sticker that includes the name, or date of manufacture.

How do you identify a glass slag lamp?

1. Look at the coloring for a marbling effect. It should not just be white streaks mixed in with another color, or one solid color. …
2. Examine the color. Antique slag items are usually brown, blue, green or purple.
3. Look for names and marks of manufacturers.

Article first time published on

How can you tell if a lamp is a mid century?

Know The Look Like midcentury architecture, furniture and textiles, the lamps from this period have geometric shapes, simple lines and a space-age feel. Look for shapes such as globes, hourglasses and rings to kickstart your search.

How can you tell if it's copper or brass?

Check the item for a letter ‘C’ engraved into with followed by three or five-digit numbers. If you see such an engraving, then you know it is brass and not copper. If there is no engraving, then it is possibly copper. Copper will typically bring a higher value for scrap metal than brass.

What are Stiffel lamps made of?

Stiffel lamps were made using a variety of materials that included bronze, brass, pewter, and silver. Finishes included brushed, polished and antique brass, polished nickel or silver, or a combination of silver and black. A few were gunmetal gray, Roman bronze or burnt umber. Most of all, look for quality.

What does aged brass look like?

Antique brass is treated to appear aged; it’s typically a rich, deep brown shade with golden undertones. This warm, low-luster finish is most similar to natural brass but will not tarnish or patina.

How do you clean a Stiffel brass lamp?

Fill a sink half full of hot water and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap to it. Avoid using any more water than needed to prevent damaging the lamp. Wipe the Stiffel lamp with the cloth to remove the soap residue, and then dry it thoroughly using a clean towel.

How do you clean old Stiffel lamps?

1. Dust the lamp every one to two weeks using an all-purpose duster. …
2. Moisten a microfiber cloth with metal polish. …
3. Wipe the damp cloth over the base of the lamp, rubbing in small circular motions to restore the polished shine of the lamp.

How much do Stiffel lamps weigh?

ColorCopperPower SourceCorded ElectricShade MaterialGlassFinish TypeFinishedItem Weight4 Pounds

Are Dale Tiffany lamps worth anything?

Antique Tiffany lamps are sought-after today and the market remains competitive for investment-quality works. Tiffany lamps’ value can be anywhere from $4,000 to over $1 million. The most expensive Tiffany lamps sell for upwards of $1 million.

What can you do with old lamps?

1. Repurpose old lamps into a side table.
2. Repurpose one into a bird bath.
3. Make a tiered stand from a thrift store lamp and trays.
4. Take the wiring out of old lamps and turn them into candlesticks.
5. Paint a base to turn it into shelf decor.
6. Repurpose old lamps from inside to outdoor solar lights.

What is a Falkenstein lamp?

Falkenstein Lamps Carl Falkenstein is a Philadelphia-based lamp-maker who produced opulent fixtures from the 1940s to 1960s. … However, according to collectors, Falkenstein used bronze and clay materials to adorn opalescent art lamps. To identify if your lamp is made by Falkenstein, check the underside of its base.

What is purple slag?

“Slag glass” is a collectors’ name for opaque pressed glass with coloured streaks, usually white and/or cream streaks like this brown bugle made by George Davidson’s in the North East of England in the 1890’s. … Slag glass is commonly found in purple, less common in blue and brown and green.

What is the difference between slag glass and stained glass?

Stained glass is either opaquely, uniformly colored, OR, the color is streaked with white. Slag glass looks like marble, uneven and swirly.

Are Frederick Cooper lamps valuable?

Prices for Frederick Cooper table lamps can vary depending on size, time period and other attributes. The price for these items starts at $295 and tops out at $9,950, while pieces like these can sell for $1,950 on average.

What kind of lamp is in Aladdin?

This article is about the lamp that contains Genie. For other uses, see Lamp (disambiguation). Genie’s lamp (alternatively referred to as the Magic Lamp or Aladdin’s lamp) is a magical oil lamp featured in Aladdin, whose owner has the ability to summon and temporarily control a wish-granting Genie with cosmic power.

What are Aladdin lamps?

Kerosene lamps provided light to several generations before electrification became ubiquitous. The name “Aladdin” is commonly associated with the brand of kerosene lamps that have been illuminating the American home for more than a century.

Where are Aladdin lamps made?

Only the glass lamps continued to be made in the USA. Since 1977 the Aladdin burners have been manufactured in Hong Kong while the fonts are made in the USA and England. Chimneys, wicks and mantles are made in other countries today.

Does a magnet stick to brass?

In their natural states, metals such as brass, copper, gold, and silver will not attract magnets. This is because they are weak metals to start with.

How do you identify hallmarks on brass?

You can tell the difference with the help of a magnet. If you hold a magnet against the item and feel a pull, you know the piece is brass plated. If there’s no attraction, then the piece is solid brass. That’s because the underlying metal is usually iron or steel, both of which are magnetic.

How can you identify brass?

Brass generally has a more solid, consistent color, and is very yellow. Copper, on the other hand, often has hints of pinks and reds. Last but not least, brass is a very solid, durable metal—which is where a lot of the demand from brass comes from, in addition to its aesthetic qualities.

How much is a Stiffel lamp worth?

Stiffel Table Lamps prices can vary depending on size, time period and other attributes. Price for these items starts at $425 and tops out at $7,750, while pieces like these can sell for $1,850 on average.