How To Identify A Falkenstein Lamp
One that may have caught your eye in an antique shop is a stunning lamp. After purchase, it would not be enough to display the item on your bedside table. Somehow, you may have grown curious about the history and worth of such a piece.
It could be valuable or not. How do you know? Here, we will help you how to identify a Falkenstein lamp or if your lamp is antique or vintage.
Antique Vs. Vintage
More people are developing an interest in collecting items that look old, beautiful, and valuable. They are very accessible with the increasing number of antique shops, flea markets, and auctions.
Some collect watches, furniture, coins, records, cars, and even toys. However, one does not need to be a collector to appreciate the beauty of old things.
But do you know that antique and vintage are two different dimensions in a collector’s world?
Antique is a term attributed to items that are at least 100 years of age. On the other hand, vintage items are those with considerable age of at least 20 years. They are bound to the era that they were manufactured or when they rose to popularity.
However, age is not only the factor that dictates an item’s worth. Some modern fixtures can be more valuable depending on who made them or on the circumstances of their production.
Falkenstein Lamps
Carl Falkenstein is a Philadelphia-based lamp-maker who produced opulent fixtures from the 1940s to 1960s. There is not much information about Falkenstein’s lamp-making process published online.
However, according to collectors, Falkenstein used bronze and clay materials to adorn opalescent art lamps.
To identify if your lamp is made by Falkenstein, check the underside of its base. There should be a marking ‘Falkenstein’ with four numbers.
Carl Falkenstein started to use paper foils to sign his masterpieces in the 1950s. With paper foil easily coming off, some Falkenstein lamps have lost their identity markings through time.
Tips To Know If Your Lamp Is Valuable
Examine the lamp for any damage. Damage could reduce its worth. Determine if repairs are possible.
- Check out the material used to make the lamp. A lamp made of authentic material instead of substitutes will be more valuable.
- Check lamp for company labels and maker’s imprints.
- Antique lamps with identification by Handel, Pairpoint, Tiffany, Pittsburgh Pilabrasgo Co., Duffner, Van Briggle, or Fulper are collectibles.
- Lamps with markings of Bigelow and Kinnard, Kramer, Steuben, Bradley and Hubbard, Stickley, Gorham, Wilkinson, and Jefferson show high value.
- Lamp styles by Stiffel, Louis Poulsen, George Kovaks, George Nelson, and Jonathan Adler are also a hit for collectors.
- If your lamp does not have a label of its maker, you may find clues such as model numbers or prominent markings or symbols to help you research about who made it.
- Do not assume that your lamp base and shade are the original pairs—even other components such as light bulbs and wirings. Sometimes, the fittings and accessories are more valuable than the lamp base itself. Don’t throw away any part of the lamp.
- Join forums online or download reference guides about antique or vintage lamps.
Conclusion
We hope how to identify Falkenstein lamps is now clearer for you. Use the tips we have listed to determine the value of your beautiful lamps.