posted on September 4, 2004 01:34:21 PM new
Hi all,
This lamp is small, not quite 9" to the top of the socket. My guess is it's from the '20s or maybe '30s but I haven't been able to get any solid info. All I come up with Googling "incised Italian pottery" is scraffito and I don't think that's what it is.
The socket is marked Meteor. I tried Googling that but didn't get anywhere. The top is threaded to accept a shade. I think that means it's a Uno socket?
posted on September 4, 2004 03:33:18 PM new
The fitting on the top looks like the ones that were used in the 1920's & 1930's - so that would be my guess too.
posted on September 4, 2004 04:18:23 PM new
Well, because (from what I found when Googling) sgraffito is made from dark clay, then coated with slip in a lighter color. The design is carved through the light-colored slip so the darker clay shows through.
The design on this lamp was carved out then glazed with color in the various parts. This thing is also pretty darn rustic. You can see the rough edges of the design outline in the pictures. The images I saw were much more delicate in execution.
posted on September 4, 2004 05:22:09 PM new
Don't know what it is, but I must take a liking to it. These are the things I pick up all the time at sales. I swear I see something I like and turn it over and Voile' ITALY! Very pretty.
posted on September 4, 2004 05:25:15 PM new
Hi epower,
I like it too. It's been on my old treadle sewing machine for a couple of years but now I have a Paul Sahlin Tiffany there so this one needs to move on to it's destiny!
posted on September 4, 2004 05:48:01 PM new
Lucy,
Does the plug at the end of the cord look original, or does it look like a later replacement? If it looks original and is plastic, is it bakelite?
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
posted on September 4, 2004 06:56:05 PM new
Hi Sparkz,
I'm pretty sure the plug is original, the cord also.
The round protective disc is made of leather. As far as it being Bakelite, I'd give it a qualified yes. A Scrubbing Bubbles test comes up reddish brown - not bright yellow.
posted on September 4, 2004 08:45:40 PM new
It's definitely pre 40's. You're most likely in the ballpark with 20's or 30's. I can make out the word "patented" and the voltage rating. Is there a patent # anywhere on the socket?
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
posted on September 4, 2004 09:26:10 PM new
Hi Sparkz,
Nope, no patent number or date, just the name Meteor and Patented, 250W, 250V.
Oh, the prongs on the plug are marked Leviton and they're kinda different than what I'm used to seeing. There's a notch down at the base, where it enters the plug itself.
posted on September 4, 2004 09:49:02 PM new
Lucy,
The leviton plug is U.S. made as is the socket. It was made for export to the U.S. and wired in Italy with U.S. components. Or, it could have been shipped naked and wired here in the U.S. You wouldn't be able to use an Euorpean 220 volt wired component here in the U.S. If all wiring and components are original, they will give you the best clue as to age in the absence of more definitive information about the lamp itself. The Positive Bakelite test, the leather safety disk and the type of cord used date this to pre WW2. Also, the brass in the hardware was plentiful prior to the war. It was not available during the war. It was all being used by the government for ammunition. The Gov even went so far as to remove the large copper tank coils from the final amplifier stages at VOA in Delano, and replace them with sterling silver coils. (The day after the war ended, they came rushing in to trade back with copper coils, though). Your lamp is 20's or 30's. Just taking a wishful shot in the dark on the patent number.
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
posted on September 4, 2004 11:17:31 PM new
Lucy,
I was going to respond tomorrow, but they are starting to shake walnuts. There's a grove across from the flea market I'm going to tomorrow. If they're shaking, I may not be able to see the monitor or keyboard tomorrow
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
