Bankers desk lamp with adjustable position in brass & black onyx, 1950`s ca, American.
This lamp has been gently cleaned while respecting the aged patina. It has been newly rewired, earthed and PAT tested by an electrician. It has new bronze tone silk cable, new lampholder, new black cord switch and new black plug. This lamp can be used with a dimmer. It is possible to use this lamp in other countries with a light bulb suitable to local electricity.
This vintage desk lamp in the Neoclassical style, is a quality example of the bankers lamps from the Mid Twentieth Century period. The elegant classic shapes together with Modernist lines and the use of luxury materials make this lamp stand out from others.
Onyx is particularly rare in this type of lamp, it is also a power stone adding to the sculptural form.
The sophisticated contrast of textures & colours in the brass & onyx makes for a strong & elegant piece.
This lamp would provide task lighting at the desk or bedside or alternatively indirect lighting for a corridor. It would suit a range of interiors such as Art Deco, Country, Traditional, Mid Century Modern, Contemporary or Industrial.
The square pedestal base is Neoclassical in style. The pedestal consists of a polished black onyx cube on a brass trim above a larger rectangular onyx base. These stone plinth gives weight & stability. Underneath the base is padded with new black felt to protect the furniture below.
On top of the onyx cube there is a polished brass portion with a pivotal key and two curved tubular arms in polished brass.
The pivotal brass key has a handle that allows to rotate & lock the arms. The tubular arms lead to another pivotal key at the top, close to the shade. In this case a lateral round flat brass bolt can be unscrewed to change the position of the shade.
A short tubular arm in polished brass connects to the rectangular shade. The shade is polished brass on the outside. Inside it has white enamel to reflect the light. The shade has a curved portion at the top and flat sides. A brass decorative external bolt screws the column inside the shade with the lampholder. A new porcelain & brass lampholder has been fitted inside the shade, along with a heat resistant cover to protect the new wiring. There is also the original flat metal white enamel plate for further protection.
This lamp carries one standard (E14) small screw light bulb up to 40 Watts. Presently fitted & photographed with a Candle clear light bulb of 25 Watts, which is included in the price. It is possible to used other E14 bulb types.
This vintage lamp is in very good condition. The frame & lampshade are sound with no damages. The brass surfaces have the original clear lacquer present, with an antique patina developed over the years. The onyx is in very good condition with no chips or cracks. There are minor superficial marks & rubbing on both materials in line with age.
Packing is offered free of charge. We take special professional care while packing. For safe transport the lamp would be packed with bubble wrap, foam and an outer layer of card. It would easily fit into a box with cushion filling for secure shipping with a courier.
Additional dimensions:
The total Height is: 31 cm.
The square base is: Width: 15 cm, Depth: 12.5 cm.
BANKERS DESK LAMP HISTORY
The Bankers lamp was an American invention originally designed for use in banking halls. The first patent for a bankers lamp was applied for on 11 May 1909 by American Harrison D. McFaddin. The design was seen as a tool to help concentration while indirectly illuminating the surrounding area.
THE USE OF ONYX IN FURNITURE HISTORY
The use of onyx in furnishings is particularly interesting & romantic. Ancient Indian and Persian refer to onyx as a protector from evil. The Indian gemologists describe onyx as a protector for harmonious relationships. A powerful protection stone, black onyx absorbs and transforms negative energy, and helps to prevent the drain of personal energy.
Facebook
Twitter
