How much are Handel lamps worth?
$2,000 to $5,000: A lot of Handel lamps will fall into the two to five thousand dollar price range. Painted shades with fairly generic scenes are available frequently and usually in the lower end of the range. Large metal overlay lamps are usually in the upper end of the range.
When were Handel lamps made?
Philip Julius Handel made lamps in Meriden, Connecticut, from 1893 to 1933, and his reverse-painted shade lamps are now selling for up to $8,000. Almost all of his lamps are signed on the inside of the shade and on the metal lamp base.
Are all Handel lamps signed?
Nearly all Handel lamps are signed on the shade and most are signed on the base. Usually after the signature on the shade there is a serial number and on some occasions, the artist also signed his/her name. If you think you have a Handel lamp, look inside the rim of the shade for the signature.
Are old lamps worth anything?
Lamps are often more valuable when left in an original condition with most or all the original parts. Some lamps may appear to be made of metal, but they might also be painted to look and feel just like metal.
What is a reverse painted lamp shade?
Handel style lamps were originally produced by The Handel Company from 1904 to 1941. All shades at the Handel factory were sand blasted and hand painted by skilled artisans. The technique used at the plant is known as reverse painting where the shade was placed upside down and the paint was applied within.
What is a pairpoint lamp?
The companies merged, and up to 1930, Pairpoint produced lamps with blown glass shades that are collected to this day. Pairpoint is celebrated for three kinds of glass shades: reverse painted landscape shades, blown out or “puffy” reverse painted shades, and ribbed reverse painted shades, many with scenes.
How can you tell if glass is hand painted?
An easy way to determine if the paint had been fired is to use an eraser and gently rub the paint. Paint that has been fired in a kiln will not rub off. Another way to decorate a glass shade is to stamp or decal a printed image on the shade.
How is pairpoint marked?
Pontil Marks and Finishing: Pairpoint Glass was made by hand using the traditional blow-pipe and punty rod. Consequently finished products will display the presence of a pontil mark, usually under a foot or the bottom of a bowl; occasionally a pontil mark will be open and visible from the top.
Who are the original owners of Handel lamps?
Many Handel lamps are still held by the families of the original owner. Don’t hesitate to ask us any questions. We happily give free informal appraisals and opinions about Handel lamps and vases. Just send us pictures and we can go from there!
Where do you find the number on a Handel lamp?
For the best search results, enter the four digit number code on the inside bottom rim of your lamp shade. If you can’t find the code then you can search through our image gallery. While we have done our best to include as many lamps as possible, there are still hundreds missing from the guide.
How often should you mark a Handel lamp?
Many lamps are marked as much as three times (on the base, shade, and metal fitter rim). -Cracked, repaired, or otherwise damaged shades have virtually no value. -All mosaic and slag glass “Handels” should be viewed with some skepticism.