Vintage Bankers-Style Brass and Wood Electric Desk Lamp with Frosted Glass Shade
Decorative Object / Lighting (Not Silver) · Unknown mass-market manufacturer; typical of 20th-century home office decor producers.
Pattern: Traditional 'Bankers' or 'Emeralite' style adaptation; non-specific pattern.
Type
Decorative Object / Lighting (Not Silver)
Maker
Unknown mass-market manufacturer; typical of 20th-century home office decor producers.
Material
Brass-plated steel or solid brass, turned wood base, frosted glass, and electrical components; contains no silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 12-15 inches in height; approximately 1.5-2.5 kg including weighted base.
Description
This is a classic desk lamp featuring an 'S' shaped brass arm and a circular wooden base component. It utilizes a frosted glass dome shade to diffuse light, common in office settings. While it mimics the profile of high-end antique lighting, its materials and construction are modern and utilitarian.
Key Features
S-shaped brass neck, frosted glass dome, turned wood accent, and modern 2-prong electrical plug.
Material & Composition
Brass-plated steel or solid brass, turned wood base, frosted glass, and electrical components; contains no silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished and antiqued brass finish; frosted acid-etched glass shade; turned wood pedestal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks present; likely contains UL listing stickers or molded plastic manufacturing marks on the cord/plug.
Construction Details
Machine-made; cast metal hardware, bent tube arm, turned wood section, and molded plastic electrical wiring.
Functional Features
Adjustable tilt shade via thumb-screw swivel; inline thumb-switch on power cord; weighted stability base.
Handle & Grip Details
S-curve brass support arm serves as the structural frame; wood section provides aesthetic grip/transition.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade production; machine-bent tubing and factory-applied lacquer finish.
Authentication Indicators
Absence of silver hallmarks; presence of electrical wiring; yellow-gold hue indicative of brass/bronze rather than silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in China or Taiwan for the Western export market; assembly-line production.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (c. 1970-1990) Revival style; mimicking early 20th-century 'Bankers' lamps.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-1995 based on the style of the inline switch and plastic plug type.
Cultural Significance
A staple of late-20th-century 'executive' or 'traditional' home office decor, symbolizing professional study.
Condition Notes
Good condition; minor surface oxidation on brass, dusty shade, cord and plug appear intact but should be safety tested. Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD; value is based on utility and decorative appeal rather than precious metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Wipe brass with a soft dry cloth; avoid abrasive silver polishes which will strip the brass lacquer; clean glass with standard glass cleaner.
Similar Pieces
Emeralite Lamps (original antiques), brass library lamps, and contemporary LED bankers lamps.
Interesting Facts
The 'Bankers Lamp' style originally featured green glass to reduce eye strain for accountants in the frühen 1900s.