Vintage Lamp

Item: Vintage Converted Oil Lamp (Electrified)
Type: Gone with the Wind-style parlor lamp
Medium: Hand-painted glass globes, cast metal base (likely spelter or pot metal with a patinated brass finish)
Height: ~24 inches
Estimated Weight: 15–18 lbs
Condition: Excellent (no chips, cracks, or visible repairs)

🔎 Description & History

This is a late Victorian-style parlor lamp, commonly referred to as a "Gone with the Wind" lamp due to its appearance in mid-20th century period films. Originally produced in the late 1800s to early 1900s, these lamps began as oil lamps, later converted to electric either mid-century or more recently.

Notable features:

• Hand-painted floral and vine motifs on milk glass globes. The initials “JAG” (as seen on the upper globe) may indicate a studio artist or decorative painter, but this is not currently linked to a known factory.
• Embossed metal base and collar, stylized with a Rococo influence.
• Dual-globe design (matching top and bottom), which was common among quality parlor lamps.
• The lamp’s globe shape, painted style, and construction are consistent with lamps produced by American companies like Pittsburgh Lamp, Phoenix Glass Co., and Fostoria during the 1880–1920 period.

🧾 Estimated Value

Retail Value (in excellent working condition):

• $200–$400 USD depending on local demand and provenance.

Auction or Private Sale Value:

• $150–$250 USD, especially if artist is unknown and electrification is modern.

Factors Affecting Value:

• If original oil lamp components are present, it may be valued higher by purists.
• If wiring is vintage or frayed, it may require rewiring to meet safety standards.
• The more recognizable the painter or glasshouse, the higher the collectible appeal.

📌 Collector Notes

• These types of lamps are highly sought after by collectors of Victorian lighting, especially when both the top and bottom globes are intact, original, and decorated.
• If you can identify the maker's mark (sometimes found inside the base or under the metal collar), the value could increase significantly.
• Matching lamps with floral vine designs are a strong niche market among early American home décor enthusiasts and interior designers.

🔧 Recommendations

• Do not clean the painted surface with chemicals—just a dry microfiber cloth to preserve the hand-painted finish.
• Consider LED bulb retrofitting if you’re still using older incandescent bulbs to reduce heat exposure to the glass.

📝 Final Thoughts

This is a charming and well-preserved decorative lamp, likely over 100 years old, that carries strong aesthetic and historic appeal. While it doesn’t appear to be signed by a known artist, its beauty and completeness make it a lovely heirloom. If ever selling, mention the condition, electrification, and hand-painted design clearly.