Hobbies And Interests
Banker's Lamp
As its name implies, a banker's lamp was historically a lamp used in a bank. It usually consists of a green glass shade with a brass base, a shaft and a pull chain for switching it on and off. However, some banker's lamps use deep-amber Favrile glass shades. In either case, an adjusting screw at the base of the neck allows the lamp to be positioned in different angles. Generally, these lamps are relatively common and sell for from $100 to $250.
Art Deco Brass Lamps
Art Deco was an aesthetic style used in architecture and industrial design from the early to mid-20th century that incorporated elements of constructivism, cubism, futurism and modernism. Art Deco table lamps often use brass as a material in their construction. As with all things Art Deco, prices for these antiques can be steep. For example, a 76" art deco brass desk lamp from the 1930s retails for $8,500. And even a pair of polished brass Art Deco table lamps from the 70s are priced at $1,900.
Art Nouveau Brass Lamps
Before Art Deco, Art Nouveau, with its floral and organic-inspired motifs, had a major influence on fin-de-siecle European aesthetics. One can find many antique brass table lamps in this style. Since these lamps tend to be even older than Art Deco models, you may need to have an electrician rewire them to use with modern-day light bulbs. In fact, some of them used kerosene instead of electricity. As with Art Deco lamps, these antiques are not cheap. For example, one antique retailer sells a cast-brass table lamp with porcelain flower and Art Nouveau lily rod &ribbon glass shades for $1,875.
Reproductions
If you cannot afford the real thing, numerous online retailers sell reproductions of these lamps at reasonable prices. A new banker's lamp sells for $20 at eBay. Reproductions of Art Deco and Art Nouveau lamps usually sell from between $100 and $300. If you are dead-set on purchasing an antique brass lamp, however, look into buying a non-working model and having it refurbished.