posted on July 3, 2003 03:59:54 PM new
Just arrived from my trip to CA a lamp from the 50's era. Can't say I like the lamp but it is from the 50's and some people like them. Problem is I know nothing about lamps. This is in near perfect condition, my aunt didn't have children, and it works too. The frame is real wood and it has the original shade. Doubt you could ever replace the shade since it's an odd shape & size. It turns on by pulling down the wood disk that is just below the bottom of the shade. Measures 30 1/2 inches tall. Any help is appreciated.
posted on July 3, 2003 04:13:13 PM new
You can list it as "Modern..Space Age..50's lamp" You will probably make a bundle. I sold two small aqua plastic lamps for $76 to a man in Norway. I only paid $2.00 for them. Your's is much nicer!
posted on July 3, 2003 05:17:54 PM new
can tell you that your lamp should fetch between $100 and $150 in excellent condition. I sold a Hula Girl lamp that I bought for $45 from a dealer where I work, and sold it on ebay for $381. The collectors and dealers are still on ebay during summer, however I would definately get at least $100 out of it. If you can wait til late summer/early fall list it then for maximum profit pleasure.
I have two lamps that are very similar sitting right next to me. Mine have 3 wood pillars that hold a round shade in place. Anyhow, as to your question, I would list it with these key words, "Retro, Danish, Eames, Knoll, 50's, Atomic, Mod, Space, and of course, Lamp".
With lamps like this, keywords are important, however, because collectors are your bread and butter, I recommend using Gallery all the way. Most collectors search through categories of lamps and pick up on the Gallery photos. The main thing would be to include a photo that gives the best detail in the gallery. I would recommend using a photo that doesn't include the entire lamp for the gallery photo. Instead, center on the area where the shade is, but leave enough of the wood to show how the shade sits in the lamp. It is better to crop a photo with the top 6 inches missing, and get better detail in the gallery than get skimmed over b/c the lamp was unnoticible. Also use 1 light to photo it, and take the photo for the gallery with the lamp on. That will grab the retro lamp shoppers curiosity more than anything. Then follow the gallery photo with a full lamp shot, along with close ups of the base, shade, and any defects.
If I gave too much info, I apologize. Just like to see people have good auctions out there. Especially during the summer.
posted on July 3, 2003 05:24:03 PM new
I agree with Rustygumbo on the gallery picture. What I've been doing for several months now is looking at all the tiny pictures in one of my auctions and deciding which picture will show up the best IN THE GALLERY. It frequently is not the full-size, full-length picture, which just looks teeny. I might pick out painted decor on an item, if it shouts that it's a period piece, or such. If it's an old book, I might show the photo on the title page of the old gent-author in all his finery. If you take a good look at a gallery, you can tell right away which pictures will jump out at the viewer. And of course that's the thumbnail that shows up on the auction list page, too. Just some thoughts. I am NOT an expert, and I don't pretend to be!
posted on July 3, 2003 08:01:15 PM new
Thanks so much guys! Y'all are so much help! I knew when I saw the lamp the first time it was worth something but wasn't sure how much. The picture I posted was just a quick one and will probably take several to be sure and get some good ones, and yes one with it lit.
By gallery do you mean the little picture next to the listing? I had planned on doing the $.25 gallery. I don't even know the type of wood. It is not pine or walnut but beyond that I don't have a clue.....pecan or dark oak?????
I do plan on waiting until around Sept. to list it when people are starting to stay inside more.
Thanks for all the auction listings ohmslucy!
They didn't seem to fetch much of a price though.
I also got a full size porcelain teapot with gold gild and pink roses that has a music box in the bottom......strange. I think it should do well but there aren't any marks of any kind. Also got a great ceramic horse TV lamp that is mint. The thing I may not part with is a great photo thing from the 30's. I will take a picture and see if anyone can tell me what it is. It needs some restoration but absolutely wonderful.
posted on July 3, 2003 08:25:01 PM new
Here is the wood photo thingy. It has to be from the mid to late 30's. It is on real wood and looks to be hand carved on the back side of the figures and has the number 1395 stamped on the back but that is the only marking. It is 3D and looks like the clothes are painted on but the faces look like photos, although it doesn't look much like my aunt. Even the hair is textures with lines. Some of the color has peeled off my uncle's face but a photographic studio might be able to restore it....don't know.
posted on July 5, 2003 08:56:24 AM new
99% chance it is teak as well. We sell a ton of these style lamps, but I haven't see that one yet. Some are real cool, and some are like, "what was the designer thinking?".
