Old Lamp

Connie
by Connie
Does anyone out there have an idea of the age of this small lamp? I found this lamp at a thrift store and thought it was so cute. After seeing another posting for an old lamp thought I would turn to all you Hometalkers out there and take advantage of your knowledge. I do want to re-wire and create a new shabby chic lampshade or something vintage looking. Anyway I would love to have an idea of the possible age. It is 10" from the top of the metal bulb holder to the bottom of the base. Thanks!!
My cute new lamp!
  13 answers
  • Swan Road Designs Swan Road Designs on Jan 24, 2015
    Judging by its size, shape and base design, it would probably date to the late '30s or early '40s and was probably part of a pair. Lamps like these were commonly used on each side of a lady's dressing table. They're too small for bedside table lamps, so probably dresser lamps. It's real sweet and it's pretty clear the cord isn't current with today's standards. Even though the plug is a bit large and cumbersome, it would be okay to use, as long as the protective paper-like shield is still there. That's the part that slides over the prongs and covers the wires that are screwed to the prongs.
  • Connie Connie on Jan 24, 2015
    I thought the plugs and all look to be in okay condition but wasn't sure if I should replace or not. It is rather small but that is what I like about it. Thanks for the info.
  • Swan Road Designs Swan Road Designs on Jan 24, 2015
    Even though it looks like there's no front or back to the lamp, look carefully at the base and see if there's a slight half circle rise in it to allow the cord to pass under the lamp without causing it to tip. Of course, that would be the back.
  • Pgl Pgl on Jan 25, 2015
    The plug dates it to before 1950, try Googling Woolworth [an old 5&10 cent store] and see if it didn't come from there.
  • Connie Connie on Jan 25, 2015
    Thanks Pgl I will do that.
  • Marlene Wilson Marlene Wilson on Jan 25, 2015
    Nice little lamp,check out the wiring and make sure it's safe top to bottom,and enjoy!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jan 25, 2015
    Very pretty. As long as the cord has some flex, and the prongs are covered, it should be safe to use. Personally, I'd replace it with a plug that is smaller and daintier.
  • Connie Connie on Jan 25, 2015
    Yes something daintier would definitely look better. I'm actually pretty surprised that the cord looks to be in such good condition. I am thinking of using it just as a display in my bathroom as I want to redo it in vintage style.
  • Sherry Stambaugh Sherry Stambaugh on Jan 26, 2015
    My son is an antique dealer and he said it is a lamp from the 1950's and it was a carnival prize. :) they are good, hold on to it.
  • Connie Connie on Jan 26, 2015
    Thank you so much for the info. I think it's very cool and plan to display it for sure. I love knowing the history of any piece and it makes perfect sense because when you hold it you can tell it wasn't expensive, but I love it anyway! Thanks for taking the time!
  • Trisha Neuhaus Gensic Trisha Neuhaus Gensic on Sep 11, 2016
    Looks like it's from 30's - 40's to me.
  • Connie Connie on Sep 11, 2016
    Thanks Trisha. I was going to cover a shade with vintage fabric but I don't have anywhere to put the lamp yet so haven't done that. Still trying to decide where it might go. I have too much stuff!! But I do want to hang onto it.
  • Swan Road Designs Swan Road Designs on Sep 12, 2016
    Another endorsement for the '30s/40s. I suspect this lamp is pretty small and that's because, in many cases, they were used in pairs and were placed at each outboard side of a lady's dressing table. They came in clear, clear colors, along with a milk glass version and probably jadite and other popular glass varieties during those time periods.