Century Studios - Tiffany Lamp Bases (2024)

FAQs

Is my Tiffany lamp worth anything? ›

Due to the popularity of Tiffany's work, forgeries and reproductions abound—some even dating back to the early 1920s. Today, genuine Tiffany stained glass lamps can be worth a small fortune. Original pieces made between 1890 and 1930 can be worth anywhere from $5,000 to over $1 million.

Original Tiffany lamps are made by the Tiffany Studios New York in late 1800's and early 1900's. Tiffany reproduction lamps are reproductions of the original Tiffany lamps. Tiffany style lamps are stained glass lamps inspired by the original Tiffany lamps and other stained glass and Art Nouveau subjects.

Authentic Tiffany lamps, known for their craftsmanship, beauty, and historical significance, can be valuable. Prices for Tiffany lamps can range from a few thousand dollars to several million dollars.

The value, V , of a Tiffany lamp, worth $225 in 1975, increases at 15% per year. Its value in dollars t years after 1975 is given by V = 225(1.15)t. Find the average value of the lamp over the period 1975-2010. 225(1.15)t dt ≈ $6080.

As your most dependable resource for fine and rare Tiffany lamp appraisal and consignment, Sotheby's consistently outpaces market competitors, often commanding hammer prices much higher than our low estimates.

Bronze material in the base with a patina should be a large giveaway for the authenticity of the lamp. The shade can also help you identify whether the materials are of the quality of genuine Tiffany lamps. If any glass seems painted and there is no "rattle" to the shade, it's most likely a reproduction.

Rarity: If the lamp is rare — one of a small number in existence or a design not seen on other lamps of the same type — it will have a higher value. Aesthetics: A visually stunning lamp usually has precise individual elements that work together seamlessly for a well-balanced look.

According to Alex Bass, an interior designer, art curator, and founder of fine art and interior design studio Salon 21, the comeback of Tiffany lamps comes at a time when we're shifting “away from super contemporary trends and adding more personality and character to the home.” It's also connected to the dopamine decor ...

Despite a dip in popularity between the 1920s and the 1940s, Tiffany lamps have always been in style. In fact, the term “Tiffany lamp,” which once described a lamp designed by the brand, became an all-encompassing term for stained-glass lamps.

Tiffany Studios stopped production of lamps in 1933, driving value up due to increasing scarcity. For fans in their teens and 20s, these items seem to be particularly appealing due to their sentimental, nostalgic value.

What does the bottom of a Tiffany lamp look like? ›

Because of the high cost of bronze when the lamps were being made, Tiffany Studios made their bases hollow, says Fontaine. In order to support the heavy glass shades, a heavy ring of lead was placed in the base. Lifting the base cap and looking in the base, you should see grayish lead.

The solder in genuine Tiffany lamps is composed of a lead/tin alloy and also contains arsenic; the solder used to create the fakes is a zinc/tin alloy. Scientists can also distinguish between genuine and fake Tiffany lamp bases using XRF.

The signature will be stamped into the metal. Unless the base plate was replaced, the signature should be present and readable. See the two photos on this page of typical base signature marks. Occasionally one will see another mark from one of Tiffany's other companies.

The 20th century's most expensive Tiffany lamp at auction

One of the most valuable Tiffany lamps ever sold reached $2.8 million at a Christie's auction in 1997. The “Pink Lotus” lamp is a very rare form and few survive today.

Bronze material in the base with a patina should be a large giveaway for the authenticity of the lamp. The shade can also help you identify whether the materials are of the quality of genuine Tiffany lamps. If any glass seems painted and there is no "rattle" to the shade, it's most likely a reproduction.

One way to determine the worth of your lamp is by researching comparable sales and market trends. Look for lamps that are similar to yours and see how much they sold for. This will give you an idea of what your lamp is worth.

One of the key ways to tell if a Tiffany necklace or bracelet is real is another stamp – the purity stamp. Tiffany always stamps its pieces with the purity mark that indicates purity in clear and full characters – 'Sterling' or the '925' purity mark for silver.

The markings for the leaded glass shades (assuming they are signed) is almost always on the bottom inner metal rim edge of the shade, stamped into the metal. It should always have the words “TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK” in all capital letters.