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American Lamps & Lights

Until the 1800s, most Americans were lighting their homes with candles, an expensive and unreliable light source. Candles were often placed in metal holders so they could be carried from room to room without dripping wax. Elaborate hanging candelabras, which used cut glass to enhance the candlelight, were often found high above dining tables and ballrooms in larger homes.

Oil and gas lamps became commonplace as technology advanced. They sat on furniture and utilized ornate glass chimneys and receptacles to hold the fuel needed for the flame and feed the wick with oxygen so it would continue to burn. When gas lamps first appeared, wall sconces became the de rigueur. They were mounted on the walls of more stately homes to accommodate the gas lines that fed lamps with fuel.

It was not until the invention of the electric light bulb by Thomas Edison around 1878 that American lamps experienced their first real renaissance. At that time, several styles emerged that were meant to diffuse the harsh electric light in the home. Stained glass and patterned shades were two fashionable solutions to this problem.


Quick Facts

  • As new natural resources were discovered throughout America in the 1800s, in-home kerosene and oil lighting became much more accessible
  • Etched glass, while also aesthetically pleasing, served an important purpose in lighthouses by refracting and focusing the light
  • An original Pink Lotus Tiffany lamp fetched $2.8 million at Christie’s in New York in 1997, making it the most expensive American lamp ever sold

Recommended Items at Auction

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1955 Premco Davey Crocket With Bear Lamp
Oct 07, 9:00 AM CDT
1955 Premco Davey Crocket With Bear Lamp
by Matthew Bullock Auctioneers
Est: $30- $300
$151 Bid
THEODORE ALEXANDER FLOOR LAMP WITH LEATHER SHADE
Oct 14, 10:00 AM EDT
THEODORE ALEXANDER FLOOR LAMP WITH LEATHER SHADE
by Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
Est: $300- $500
$1501 Bid
Alladin "Corinthian" Amber and Clear Glass Oil Lamp 12 in. (30.5 cm.), 21" incl. chimney
Oct 08, 4:00 PM CDT
Alladin "Corinthian" Amber and Clear Glass Oil Lamp 12 in. (30.5 cm.), 21" incl. chimney
by Asselmeier May Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$201 Bid
Winged Griffin Gargoyle Oil Lamp with Puffy Shade
Oct 28, 10:00 AM EDT
Winged Griffin Gargoyle Oil Lamp with Puffy Shade
by Premier Auction Galleries
Est: $300- $600
$751 Bid
Pair Of Brass & Art Glass Lamps, Possibly Steuben
Oct 05, 10:00 AM EDT
Pair Of Brass & Art Glass Lamps, Possibly Steuben
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $1,000
$11 Bid
Art Deco Lustre Pulled Feather Lamp Shade
Oct 28, 10:00 AM EDT
Art Deco Lustre Pulled Feather Lamp Shade
by Premier Auction Galleries
Est: $100- $200
$301 Bid
Pairpoint Reverse Painted Glass Lamp 1901
Oct 10, 12:00 PM EDT
Pairpoint Reverse Painted Glass Lamp 1901
by C Biddle Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $1,000
$101 Bid
EMERLITE Heavy Brass Banker Lamp, USA
Oct 25, 10:00 AM EDT
EMERLITE Heavy Brass Banker Lamp, USA
by The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc.
Est: $100- $200
$10 Bids
PAIR THEODORE ALEXANDER LAMPS WITH LEATHER SHADES
Oct 14, 10:00 AM EDT
PAIR THEODORE ALEXANDER LAMPS WITH LEATHER SHADES
by Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
Est: $400- $600
$2000 Bids
Isamu Noguchi, Akari light sculpture, model BB3-70FF
Oct 03, 11:00 AM CDT
Isamu Noguchi, Akari light sculpture, model BB3-70FF
by Wright
Est: $4,000- $5,000
$2,8000 Bids
Isamu Noguchi, Akari light sculpture model BB3-55D
Oct 03, 11:00 AM CDT
Isamu Noguchi, Akari light sculpture model BB3-55D
by Wright
Est: $3,000- $5,000
$2,0000 Bids
Michael Graves pair of desk lamps, American circa 1990's
Oct 02, 6:00 PM AEDT
Michael Graves pair of desk lamps, American circa 1990's
by Gibson's Auctions
Est: AUD400- AUD600
AUD3200 Bids
PAIR FREDERICK COOPER PINEAPPLE BRASS & TOLE LAMPS
Oct 01, 10:00 AM CDT
PAIR FREDERICK COOPER PINEAPPLE BRASS & TOLE LAMPS
by Rivich Auction
Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids
AMERICAN TABLE LAMP WITH SLAG GLASS SHADE, C. 1925
Oct 14, 10:00 AM EDT
AMERICAN TABLE LAMP WITH SLAG GLASS SHADE, C. 1925
by Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
Est: $300- $500
$1500 Bids
BRADLEY & HUBBARD REVERSE PAINTED TABLE LAMP
Oct 14, 10:00 AM EDT
BRADLEY & HUBBARD REVERSE PAINTED TABLE LAMP
by Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
Est: $500- $1,000
$2500 Bids
Walter von Nessen, Table lamp
Oct 03, 11:00 AM CDT
Walter von Nessen, Table lamp
by Wright
Est: $300- $500
$1000 Bids
Karl Springer Postmodern Lucite Torchiere Lamp
Oct 08, 12:00 PM EDT
Karl Springer Postmodern Lucite Torchiere Lamp
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $2,000- $4,000
$3000 Bids
Karl Springer Spherical Brass Table Lamp
Oct 08, 12:00 PM EDT
Karl Springer Spherical Brass Table Lamp
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $800- $1,200
$1000 Bids
Vintage Pair Reglor of California 1951 Large Lamps
Oct 21, 10:00 AM EDT
Vintage Pair Reglor of California 1951 Large Lamps
by Mebane Antique Auction
Est: $100- $10,000
$500 Bids
Vintage Curtis Jere Wall Lamp Sculpture
Oct 21, 10:00 AM EDT
Vintage Curtis Jere Wall Lamp Sculpture
by Mebane Antique Auction
Est: $100- $10,000
$500 Bids
TUBBY BROWN, ANGEL DECORATED FOLK ART LAMP
Oct 13, 10:00 AM EDT
TUBBY BROWN, ANGEL DECORATED FOLK ART LAMP
by Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
Est: $400- $600
$2000 Bids
James Mont Asian Modern Carved Wood Table Lamps 2
Oct 08, 12:00 PM EDT
James Mont Asian Modern Carved Wood Table Lamps 2
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $1,500- $2,500
$3000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell American Lamps & Lights


Wright

Wright

Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.

Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.

DuMouchelles

DuMouchelles