How do you identify an antique lamp?

Antique lamps should feature hand-painted designs, so look for brush marks. If the work is perfectly smooth, it might be a decal. You can also identify a decal by touch — decals are smooth, while paint feels textured. Generally, the presence of decals indicates a modern reproduction rather than an antique.

How can you tell if a brass lamp is antique?

The way to tell if something is solid brass, or only brass plated is with a magnet. If the magnet sticks to the piece, it’s brass plated. If it doesn’t, do one further test, just to be sure it’s not actually brass plating on top of another non-magnetic metal. Test by scratching an inconspicuous area with a sharp knife.

When were pleated lamp shades popular?

Ubiquitous in the ’80s and early ’90s, “fancy” shades—printed, pleated, gathered, and generally empire-shaped—faced near-extinction by the 2000s, when they were supplanted by shades of the white, drum-shaped variety.

What is the most expensive lamp shade?

The 12 Most Expensive Lamps In The World

Pink Lotus Tiffany Lamp – $2.8 million.
Kuwaiti Mall Chandelier – $1.8 million.
Tiffany Wisteria Lamp – $1,565,000.
Salviati Chandelier – $1,000,000.
Classical French 48 Candle Chandelier – $740,000.
Daum Crystal Chandelier – $680,000.
Genoese Crystal Chandeliers – $677,203.

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.

How do you know if a lamp is worth money?

Flip the lamp on its side to examine the bottom. Look for a sticker, a nameplate or a stamp bearing a maker’s mark. Use a magnifying glass if you notice a stamp but can’t read it well. If the bottom of the base is covered with felt, lift the felt gently to look for signs of the lamp’s maker.

How do you know if a fixture is brass?

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. If you see a silvery scratch, your piece is likely white metal (zinc).

Are pleated lampshades out of style?

Pleated lampshades, last popular in the latter half of the 20th century, are back in full force. The designs we’re talking about feature super-crisp pleats made out of cotton or paper—no soft fabric folds here—making the once retro detail feel contemporary and fresh.

Can you paint a pleated lampshade?

Painting a lampshade is not an easy task. Yes, you can use spray paint for a pleated lampshade. The use of spray paint is easier compared to ordinary fabric paints or watercolors because spray can ensure that all the sides and surface of folded pleated designs of the shade can be penetrated.

Are old lamps worth anything?

Lamps are often more valuable when left in an original condition with most or all the original parts. Some lamps may appear to be made of metal, but they might also be painted to look and feel just like metal.

Which Tiffany lamps are worth money?

Tiffany lamps’ value can be anywhere from $4,000 to over $1 million. The most expensive Tiffany lamps sell for upwards of $1 million. The highest price ever paid for a Tiffany lamp remains $2.8 million at a Christie’s auction in 1997.

How can you tell how old a lamp cord is?

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.

Does WD 40 clean brass?

We like to use WD-40. It is not only very easy to use, but is also quick and very effective. All you need to do is coat the gold and brass lamp with a layer of WD-40, which is a great to clean brass and let it sit for about 15-30 minutes. Take a clean cloth and rub the lamp in circular motions drying and buffing it up.

Is brass worth any money?

Depending on form, age, and condition, the value of brass per pound is typically worth more than aluminum or steel, but less than pure copper. Solid brass is worth significantly more than brass plate….Does brass have any value?

Metal	Price
Brass Shells	$0.30
Die Cast	$0.10
Yellow Brass	$1.20
#2 Copper	$1.60

How do you make fabric pleated lampshades?

Instructions

Wrap your fabric 4 times around your lampshade; this will be how much fabric you need.
Cut your fabric so it’s only 1″ longer than your lampshade.
Start by making your first pleat.
Once you’re done, trim off all the excess material on the top and bottom so it’s flush with the lampshade edge.

How do you clean a pleated lampshade?

If your lampshade is pleated, vacuum gently along and down the pleats. A sticky lint roller or masking tape – roll the lint roller lightly across the lampshade, or place the masking tape onto the fabric, making sure not to press too hard, and remove it gently, bringing the dirt and dust with it.

Can you dye lampshades?

A plain linen, cotton or silk lampshade can be dyed by dipping it in a shallow bath of cold-water dye. Following the instructions on the dye packaging, fill a dye bath up to the level you want the dye to reach when you dip the lampshade in.

Can you change the color of a lampshade?

Lampshades made of a natural fibers such as cotton, linen or silk can be dyed with fabric dye. Other fibers can still be changed, but you need to use paint. Lampshades that are dark, bold, bright or patterned can still be transformed, but results are best if dyed or painted with a darker shade than the original.

How can you tell if a lamp is valuable?

What can you do with old lamps?

Ideas to Repurpose Old Lamps

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

Do my lamps have to match?

You don’t have to match all the lamps in a room. More precisely, you don’t have to have identical lamps. However, if you want a cohesive design, make sure they relate to one another in some way, either through shade color and shape, materials, or similar color schemes.

What kind of lamp can I sell for replacement?

Below are some of the most common types of antique lamps that we sell replacement shades and parts for here in our website. Perhaps this will also help you identify your lamp and find out more information.

How to identify antique hand-painted oil lamps?

Brush strokes are key to identifying hand-painting on lamps. Antique electric or oil lamps offer more than just a source of illumination after dark; many of these lamps feature hand-painted designs, offering a bit of decor for enjoyment any time of day. As with other types of antiques, reproductions of similar style are also on the market.

What kind of base does an antique lamp use?

An antique bronze base would reveal a golden brass color if scraped using a fingernail or a metal screwdriver. If it shows a reddish gleam, it is most likely copper.

How to determine the year a table lamp was manufactured?

Table lamps made by renowned designers usually have a date stamp, a product number or the manufacturer’s name listed on them somewhere. By determining the year a table lamp was manufactured, you can learn a lot of information that can help you discover its value or find any replacement parts needed.

What’s the best way to identify an antique lamp?

Other ways to identify an antique lamp are by viewing old catalog pictures, newspapers or museum photographs.

An antique bronze base would reveal a golden brass color if scraped using a fingernail or a metal screwdriver. If it shows a reddish gleam, it is most likely copper.