Recently, I hosted an online ‘Antique Discussion Forum’ where a lot of people asked questions on cleaning and restoration hacks for antique lamps. I was surprised to know that people often use soap to get rid of oil stains on old lamps!
Well, you can surely clean dusty lamps, but features like oil stains are precious to verify if the lamp is antique or not. But it’s not just the stains; let’s find out more about such identification and pricing factors to spot a real vintage lamp!
Key Takeaways
- Want to have some Old & Authentic Antique Lamps? Look for hand-molded Brass bases, levers, burners, and pull chains on the sides.
- Old lamps used different wall materials like Wood, Glass, Ceramic & Metal. But, the earliest ones had Victorian & Art-deco motifs on them.
- If you want a branded antique lamp, check out Tiffany, Miller, Bradley & Pittsburgh!
- Any old & handmade Brown, White & Transparent lamp costs up to $2000 today. But if you want the colored ones, check the tables below!
Key Identification of a Vintage Lamp
If you thought that any rusty or faded lamp is antique, you might be wrong. In fact, collectors say that a lamp is antique only if it is 100 years old and has some qualities below:
- Brass, Glass, Ceramic, or Wood bases with intricate designs and overlays
- Crude, round holders with a single socket for incandescent bulbs
- Simple pull chains, rotary switches, or foot-activated floor switches
- Clear, Frosted, or Patterned metal chimneys for airflow control
- Reflectors or Mirrors to enhance light output
- Manual knobs or levers to adjust the wick and brightness
- Forked or crown-shaped burners with long tubes and brass plates
Evolution & History Of Antique Lamps
Most of the collectible antique lamps are from the 18th Century. But even before that, we had some oily fabric wicks from the 6th Century! And those looked natural with clay walls and floral or figurine shapes. But yes, makers didn’t fire them, so they broke easily.
Later, during the Industrial Revolution, there were oil-based Betty and Cruise lamps. These had metal reservoirs, wicks, covers, and drafts, and they also had more flame control, air holes, and covers than the handmade ones.
Finally, makers moved towards new gas and electric lamps in the 1900s. And since they were machine-made, they had stained-glass patterns, wires, and LEDs. Even so, they fetch up to $1000 for their brands, logos, and gold-plated finishes.
6 Types of Antique Lamps (With Values & Features)
Right from the 1700s up to the 2000s, there are so many lamp types – each with unique designs & prices. So, let’s check their details:
| Antique Lamp Types | How to Identify? | Size | Year |
| Student Lamps | Brass or Copper tube-shaped stems with one or two arms, siphon oil reservoirs, and manual, adjustable burners | 12 – 18 inches | 1800s |
| Banquet Lamps | Large Brass or Porcelain lamps with molded flowers, chimneys, finials, and globe-shaped shades | 24 – 40 inches | 1850s Victorian Era |
| Cruise Lamps | Small, bowl-shaped laps with oil reservoirs, cotton or hemp wicks, and Brass or Copper walls | 6 – 12 inches | 1800s – 1900s |
| Argand Lamps | Medium-sized cylindrical lamps, each having glass chimneys, finials, flat, round wicks, and Olive oil or Kerosene reservoirs | 15 – 20 inches | 1780s |
| Astral Lamps | Brass or Copper-based lamps with glass shapes, chimneys, star designs, and finials | 20 – 25” | 1870s |
| Betty Lamps | Shallow, round lamps with metal wick holders, spouts, hanging loops, and exposed flames | 10 – 15” | 1800s |
8 Steps to Identify and Value Antique Lamps (Using Price Charts)
Common vintage lamps are generally worth $50 to $200, but antique oil lamps manufactured by a renowned brand or with a brass body can sell for thousands of dollars! Let’s understand how different factors and features affect the value of antique lamps with the help of value and identification charts!
1. Track the Lamp’s Age & Patent Numbers
Do you know that lamps from different eras have different features and values? Like, the 1800s models have beaded edges, while those from the 1930s are geometric. Plus, each of them have unique hand or machine-made parts that affect the cost.
Let’s see how in the chart below!
| Old Lamp’s Year | Age | Top Identifying Features | Patent Numbers | Average Cost |
| 1830s (Victorian Era) | 184 – 193 years | Brass, Bronze, Porcelain, or Glass lamps with handpainted, fringed, or beaded designs and Kerosene valves | 35158 (Coal Oil Lamps) | $900 – 4000 |
| 1870s | 154 – 163 years | Stained glass, Tiffany lamps with stained flowers, insect and landscape designs | 50591 (Oil Lamp with Burners) | $60 – 2000 |
| 1900s | 114 – 123 years | Shiny Copper & Brass lamps with clean lines, functional designs, oil reservoirs, wicks, and handblown shades | US439672A (J.A Miller Lamps) | $100 – 1500 |
| 1920s | 94 – 103 years | Art-Deco style bold, geometric shades with Chrome, Glass & Bakelite bases | 001517466 (Gas Conductor Lamps) | $70 – 800 |
| 1970s | 44 – 53 years | Minimal, electric lamps with wood or plastic bases, abstract designs, bold colors, and Starburst designs | 1136580 (Convertible Electric Lamps) | $20 – 800, branded ones might cost up to $3000 |
Try to get vintage lamps with blown, anti-glare shades and Brass, Copper, or Silver accents for an old, handmade make.
2. Check the Lamp Materials
One quick visual feature to verify your old lamp is its material. So, get a spoon, and strike it on the surface. If it rings clearly, it might be an old 1870s metal or glass lamp. But if there’s a deep sound, it might be a 1970s plastic one.
And here’s how to price such vintage lamp materials:
| Vintage Lamp Materials | Collectible Features | Average Value |
| Glass – Clear & Stained | Molded, Watches or Cut-glass shades with short stems and grooved edges | $700 – 5000 |
| Ceramic & Porcelain | Handpainted or Glazed lampshades with natural – floral or vine designs, bulbous shapes, and metal accents | $400 – 3600 |
| Metal (Brass, Bronze & Iron) | Sleek, Futuristic, and Stream-lined designs with Steel stems, Brass Shades, and screw joints | $100 – 2000 |
| Wood – Walnut, Oak & Bamboo | Carved, Painted, or hand-chiseled lamps with natural wood grain or lacquers | $150 – 2000 |
| Plastic & Bakelite | Machine-molded, brushed, and matte lamps with battery-operated or electrical lights | $30 – 800 |
| Crystal | Small, Clear & Refracting lamps with dual-toned shades and stems | $300 – 4000 |
Antique lamps with hand-polished Chrome-plated, Oil-rubbed Bronze, and gold Leaf finishes are the most precious. So check if the surface has a similar powdery finish.
3. Examine the Power Source
Not all vintage lamps work on gas or electricity! Some old 1870s lamps had Oil or Kerosene wicks too! And you can spot them by their burners, oil reservoirs, and air holes. But, these didn’t light up easily. So, by the 1900s, makers added battery-operated lamps!
But how does this change the value of your antique lamp? Find out below!
| Old Lamp Power Source | How Does It Work? | Estimated Price |
| Oil – Vegetable, Whale & Kerosene | Works on a reservoir that holds the oil and a wick that draws it up for burning | $150 – 4000 |
| Gas Lamps | Works on a gas chamber that mixes with the air to light a small, bright flame | $200 – 1800 |
| Electric Lamps (Edison Lamps) | These operate on metal wires, switches, and electric bulbs or LEDs | $70 – 1000 |
| Battery-Operated Lamps | Use dry cell AA or 9V batteries or rechargeable solar batteries, or LEDs | $50 – 700 |
4. Observe the Colors
One of the easiest ways to appraise an old lamp is its colors. It’s so that the 1870s lamps were transparent, while those from the 1920s were red, green, or blue!
Check how each color affects the lamp’s resale value below:
| Antique Lamp Colors | Estimated Value |
| Clear & Transparent | $70 – 3000 |
| White, Ivory & Yellow | $40 – 1500 |
| Metallic Gold & Silver | $200 – 4000 |
| Brown, Beige & Green | $100 – 2000 |
| Pastel Pink & Purple | $50 – 1500 |
| Black & Gray | $50 – 800 |
| Blue, Teal & Aqua | $40 – 1000 |
| Red & Orange | $500 – 3000 |
Pick vintage lamps with spray paint, chalk paint, or acrylic motifs for the best value.
5. Observe the Design Styles
Antique lamps have many design styles, from Victorian to Industrial, as per the design movements. Of these, the oldest ones have carved Victorian features, while the new 1970s ones might be minimal. Also, they look sleeker and shinier than others.
And you can identify and value them with the help of our table below:
| Vintage Lamp Styles | Special Features | Average Cost |
| Victorian Lamps (1837 – 1901) | Brass, Glass & Porcelain lamps with intricate floral, mesh, and animal moldings | $700 – 5000 |
| Arts & Crafts (1880 – 1920) | Clean, functional lamps with Copper, Brass & Glass accents | $70 – 1200 |
| Art Nouveau (1890 – 1910) | Natural forms, plant motifs, vine designs, and dome-shaped shades | $600 – 4000 |
| Art Deco (1920s) | Geometric, Bold designs with Chrome, Brass & Bakelite accents and carvings | $100 – 3500 |
| Mid-Century Designs (1950s) | Designer-made shades with clean lines, minimal designs, and Glass or Wood stems | $60 – 800 |
| Industrial Lamps (1970s) | Minimal, metallic designs with iron and steel stems and bulbous stained glass shades | $40 – 1200 |
Antique lamps with abstract bells, drums, cones, or Globe shapes cost more than others. So check the shade’s shape thoroughly!
6. Check the Patterns
Observe any old, hand-painted lamp, and you’ll see none have similar patterns. Like, the Victorian ones had floral patterns, while the Art Deco ones played with geometry. The Art Nouveau used vines, while the industrial ones moved to stripes!
So, all these patterns obviously affect a lamp’s value. Let’s see how!
| Vintage Lamp Patterns | Estimated Price |
| Floral – Rose & Chrysanthemum on Stained Glass | $100 – 1500 |
| Geometric Patterns, Pyramids & Lines | $40 – 600 |
| Oriental – Dragons & Cherry Blossoms | $30 – 900 |
| Natural Leaf & Vine Designs | $80 – 1000 |
| Painted Paisley or Damask Patterns | $30 – 900 |
| Checked & Striped Motifs | $70 – 1200 |
| Scroll or Fretwork (Interlaced) Designs | $50 – 1500 |
Avoid getting non-working, chipped, or heavily restored lamps as those don’t value much.
7. Trace Its Brand & Manufacturer
We all run after branded lights, isn’t it? Well, it’s time you run after branded lamps too! Because such lamps, especially those from Bradley or Miller, are priced 10 – 40% more. Also, they might have vintage gold and hand-cut gems from the 19th Century!
Here’s a list of in-demand lamp brands & their costs:
| Antique Lamp Brands | Top Features | Rough Value |
| Tiffany Studios | Intricate patterns, natural themes & thick, polished hanging lamps, floor lamps, and table lamps | $500 – 13,000 |
| Handel Lamp Company | Leaded glass lamps with floral and landscape motifs | $200 – 1500 |
| Pairpoint Manufacturing Company | ‘Puffy’ reverse painted shades with flowers, umbrellas, and high-quality glass bases | $500 – 6500 |
| Duffner & Kimberly | Leaded glass lamps with traditional, meshed designs and carvings | $300 – 2000 |
| Miller Lamp Company | Slag glass and chrome metal work lamps with reverse-painted shades | $600 – 15,000 |
| Bradley & Hubbard | Banquet, Oil & Electric lamps with thick, cast iron bases | 100 – 16,000 |
| Aladdin Lamp Company | Bright, Incandescent lamps with mantles and wicks | $200 – 1500 |
| Pittsburgh Lamp | Reverse-painted, leaded glass lamps with nature-themed designs and scroll metalwork | $500 – 8500 |
Try to get old lamps with functional light or motion sensors for a branded make.
8. Check the Light Color
It’s not just the lampshade’s color; even its light color affects the value greatly! Well, back in the 1870s, all the lamps had white or yellow lights. But some people personalized those and added red, blue, or green accents too! So today, such lamps are more desirable than others!
And if you have such a lamp, use this identification chart to value it!
| Old Lamp’s Light Color | Average Cost |
| White & Yellow | $100 – 1200 |
| Black & Gray | $40 – 500 |
| Beige & Brown | $30 – 1500 |
| Red & Orange | $50 – 1200 |
| Blue & Green | $100 – 1500 |
| Gold & Silver | $400 – 2000 |
Look for old lamps with Cotton & Rayon insulated White, Beige & Black-colored light cords for a handmade finish.
7 Rarest & Most Expensive Antique Lamps to Find!
Brands and all are okay! But a rare or limited-edition lamp might cost up to $70,000 too. That’s because it might have some royal or federal roots and expensive jewels that stand out. Also, these are quite tall and come with artisanal Silver or Gold stems.
Here are some rare & expensive antique lamps for your collection:
| Rare Antique Lamps | Last Resale Value |
| Art Nouveau GWTW Victorian Glass Lamp | $499,000 |
| Austrian Art Deco Snake Dragon Lamp | $215,000 |
| Drophead Dragonfly Lamp | $200,000 |
| GWTW Federal Banquet Lamp | $70,000 |
| Wind Oil Piano Parlour Lamp | $65,000 |
| Japanese Cranberry Shade | $15,500 |
| Asian Dragon Lamp | $12,500 |
What Type of Accessories Were Used With an Old Lamp?
Vintage lamps used different accessories like Cone or Drum lampshades, Halogen bulbs, Rubber or Plastic Cords, Chimneys, Wicks & Metal Reservoirs.
Are Antique Lamps Safe to Use?
Yes, antique lamps are safe to use as long as they have proper wicks and plugs. However, if they have broken cords, switches, or reservoirs, it’s better to repair and insulate them before use.
What Type of Oil Can You Use With Vintage Lamps?
Ideally, you should use good-quality Lamp oil, Kerosene, or Fish oil with old lamps. But if that’s unavailable, you can use Canola, Castor, and Palm Oil too!
We hope the above identification charts have made it easy for you to guess your lamp’s value! Also, you can use them to crosscheck the age & features to avoid a scam. But if you want to buy any specific oil lamps, this precise value guide might help you more!
