2 Brass Urn Table Lamps

PAIR OF TALL BRASS TROPHY-URN TABLE LAMPS WITH CAST FLAME FINIALS AND ORIGINAL DRUM SHADES, APPROXIMATELY 38 IN TALL A matched pair of heavy brass table lamps in the traditional trophy-urn form, each with a paneled and fluted urn body on a knopped stem, a tier of crisply cut ring turnings above and below, a cast acanthus flame ornament at the top of the urn, and a broad two-step round base. Each carries a brass stem to a brass socket with a two-wing shade support, a brown cord with a standard two-prong plug, and a small brass push button set into the side of the base. Both are dressed with tall cream-ivory drum shades in slubbed shantung-look fabric with narrow trim tape at the top and bottom edges and a wire spider fitting. One lamp is shown lit and burning in the photographs, so it drew power at the time of photography; the second lamp is not shown lit, and neither has been tested beyond that. Flaws include tarnish and dark mottled clouding across the brass with rubbed and darkened patches on the bases and the ring turnings, scattered small brown spots and flecks with light overall soiling on both shades - most visible on the shade at left in the group frames - a visible vertical seam and light creasing on one shade, and light staining on the shade interiors. UNTESTED - no continuity, switch, socket, or wiring check has been performed and the original cords should be inspected or replaced by a qualified person before use. Sold as a lot of two lamps with the two shades pictured. Description Form: paneled brass trophy-urn body, knopped and ring-turned stem, cast acanthus flame ornament above the urn, two-step round brass base Fittings: brass stem and socket with a two-wing shade support, small brass push button switch at the base side, brown cord with a two-prong plug on each lamp Shades: tall cream-ivory drum shades in slubbed shantung-look fabric, narrow trim tape at the top and bottom edges, lined interiors reading cream to soft apricot in the photographs, wire spider fitting Marks: no maker mark, foil label, or model number is visible in any frame, so no maker is claimed Size: approximately 38 in overall to the top of the shade and approximately 16 in of shade height per the tape-measure photographs, with the shade top opening measuring roughly 14 to 15 in across on the tape frame; the base diameter is estimated at approximately 7 to 8 in. Attribution note The paneled urn on a ring-turned plinth with a cast flame or acanthus ornament is the traditional trophy-lamp pattern that American brass lamp makers produced in volume from the 1950s through the 1970s, the period when Chicago firms including the Stiffel Lamp Company and the Frederick Cooper Lamp Company made solid brass column and urn lamps a fixture of American living rooms, according to the Stiffel company history and the designer biographies published by 1stDibs. Collector guides such as 1stDibs and Antiques Know How note that these lamps were marked on the socket, on the harp, on a foil label, or etched in the base, and that the foil labels frequently came loose, which is why so many surviving examples of this pattern have no mark at all. No mark is visible on either of these lamps, so the maker is not claimed; the weight, the crispness of the turnings, the cast finial, and the base-mounted button switch are all consistent with better American production of that era rather than a lightweight import. Note that this pair is the same family of form as the marked Stiffel lamp offered separately in this sale, but no connection between the lots is claimed. All identification, dating, and originality comments - including whether these are the shades originally sold with the lamps - are offered as the consignor's photo-based opinion and are not guaranteed. Bid on the item(s) as pictured. Notes for bidders Have both cords, plugs, and sockets checked or replaced by someone qualified before putting these into service, since original lamp wiring of this age is the part that most often needs work even when a lamp still lights. Carry each lamp by the base with both hands and take the shade off first, because the socket and support wings are not built to take the weight. Leave the tarnish if you want the age to show; if you polish, use a proper brass polish sparingly, keep it well away from the fabric and the socket, and stop if the surface turns out to be lacquered, since polishing through lacquer leaves a blotchy result. Clean the shades dry with a soft brush or a lint roller and never with water, which will spot the shantung and mark the trim tape. Keep the bulb wattage within the socket rating once the wiring has been verified. Only the item(s) pictured are included in this lot. Terms Sold as-is, where-is, with no warranty expressed or implied. All sales final. Please ask any questions before bidding. Buyer is responsible for pickup or shipping arrangements per auction terms.