Anyone know anything about old lamps?

Went into the shop today, my worker says "boss got an old one for you" He had set to the side an old lamp, I have never seen one like this. First it's a floor lamp, maybe 5 feet tall, there's no shade but the lamp itself appears to be in decent shape. The bottom base has "Marbro Lamp Corp. Los Angeles, Calif. 0-10. Solid brass base, brass pedestal and mostly brass fixtures. I'm guessing 40's or 50"s I have done no research yet. The main center lamp fixture is unique (to me) as it's larger than any screw type incandescent bulb (twice as big). Will do a picture latter.

Don't know how much it'll help but here you..

http://www.artifactcollectors.com/a-...mpany-495.html

Other things I found out...

They sell for a nice amount on ebay.

Even in bad condition they sell for a good amount, when post I saw said 90 bucks was the value for a guy's lamp, that was considered bad condition.

Old Company whose items are collectiable.(Not sure if all it's lamps are, but from my brief research seems to be a good number out there that are).

Let us know how it works out or what you figure out!

GOod luck.

Sirscrapalot - If you won't put limits on yourself. Why would you allow others to limit you? - Me, or unknown, take your pick.

Thanks for the reference Sirs. I have to do my homework on this one for sure. 10 to 15 pounds of brass tells me it's old. Curious about this one for it's got to be a better than scrap item. Don't know about shipping because it's long. Being that it was made here in Los Angeles might be a local thing!

Hit the Google images Burt, without a pic to go on I could only do a quick search. Lots of fancy lamps made by them, you might have yourself a winner to go with that amp.

Good luck an have with the research, I'll be looking forward to an update with you doing the happy "I sold it for a song, an then some!" dance.

Sirscrapalot - Life is a gamble, we roll the dice every time we first get out of bed, or step out the door. - Unknown, or me, or whoever.

I have a problem selling some of this old stuff! I look at it as one for the collection, drives my GF nuts!

I know that feeling, as do most of us I imagine.


Sirscrapalot - I had a quote, but Brojer ate it.

Sirs. just read your goggle reference. Very interesting, those prices seem unreal for a lamp. When I first looked at this lamp, My first words were "I have never seen a lamp like this, very different than one you buy at SEARS". Sounds like my guess on date 40's or 50's is going to be pretty close. As your article says they started after WWII, again thank you for your post, will post a picture and let everyone know what I find.

May also be a "Mogul" base bulb. Sounds like a cool floor lamp.

You're killing us Burt -- where's the pic?? Now I'm trying to imagine what a 10-15 lb, 5 ft lamp with a big socket looks like. I have a crappy imagination, especially when it comes to light fixtures, so I'll be up waiting for that pic!!!

Like this maybe..



or this..



or this to..



Let your imagination run wild, or..do like me..Google Images is your friend.

Thanks for this post Burt, it has caused me to spend a couple of hours diving into the world of lamps..my head hurts now.

But I feel brighter!

Sirscrapalot - People are like light bulbs, everyone has the chance to shine, but now an then you get a few duds.

Thanks Brandon I well check into that, I've been checking the electrical wiring out with ohm meter. There is two switches one for the three smaller candelabra type lamps Everything seems ok, no shorts and continuity is good to each of the four sockets. Near as I can tell the switches give the option for six light settings. Have not plugged it in yet, just checking with meter. Looks like you have option for 1 light, 2, 3, 4 bulbs with the large light having three setting. One thing for sure extremely well built lamp. Having quality parts and workmanship. Not as much brass as I thought with only the decorative pieces being brass. The rest being steel (ferrous) with some rust showing. So overall assessment needs a little restoration work but a keeper. 56" tall weighing 12 pounds with no bulbs or shade, with a shade would be over 5' tall. Has original two prong UL plug. I have a little info on the large socket it's called a "Mogul" socket.

Pictures will be later, I'm no good at that anyway takes me forever! I do know this type is considered a "Hollywood Regency" style and that it's value is about $100 in this condition. As it is of all metal construction. Some of these lamps are very valuable, so the Marbro Lamp Company is one to remember, they appeared to make only high end lamps, nothing retail. The one I found is missing the shades, typically this style would have a diffuser glass shade for the large Mogul light (100, 200 and 300 watts) and then a fancy custom cloth fabric shade going over the glass diffuser globe. Iv'e been educating myself on Marbro lamps tonight!

It's add on my list of things to look for but will likely never find at a thrift store or yard sale. I'll sure give it a shot though!

Thanks for the topic again despite the lost hours of my life learning about lamps and all their glory.

Sirscrapalot - Sir Humphrey Davy of England invented the first electric carbon arc lamp in 1801.

Is it the torchiere??

Sirs education is priceless!

Flimits yes! except add three candelabra lights around the glass globe. Also there should be a cloth fabric shade that covers everything!

Oh my, super-duper fancy! OK, now I know what to look for. Do you know about WorthPoint? They show prices for sales of antiques and misc collectibles. I know you can get a free trial with them, so if you need to look for prices, that's an option. It includes prices from eBay auctions.