Just as the window serves as a source of light in the day, the lamps at night do the same.
Over the past centuries, the world has seen significant changes in taste and fashion. Hence, it can be ascertained that items such as lamps would also have their fair share of the changes.
The Tiffany lamps are exquisite examples of tastes blended with fashion to give elegance. The lamps were not just art, they were a symbol of the Art Nouveau which challenged the Victorian ornate style.
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Tiffany lamp history
The Tiffany lamps were crafted and hand-made in the Tiffany Studios in Queens, New York City. It was founded by Louis Comfort Tiffany who was born in New York into a family of influential and prominent jewelry makers in 1848.
Born with a silver spoon, Tiffany was able to travel the world at a young age. It was in one of his journeys to London’s Victoria and Albert Museum London’s Victoria and Albert museum in 1865 that he had his first encounter with bright hues reflected by glassware from antiquity.
As a painter and interior decorator, he had an interior design firm for which he would buy and design ancient stained glasses.
He found the antique in London fascinating, leading him to have his studios 20 years later; The Tiffany studios, a glassmaking studio.
The inspiration for the Tiffany lamps was widely drawn from global sources ranging from the Roman glass collection, stained glass windows of the Gothic movement, the Persian glass design, and the Asian and European craftsmanship.
Tiffany lamps usually featured his geometric patterns and were made of blown favrile glass, put together with the copper foil technique, Instead of lead, the classic technique for stained glass windows.
The first of the Tiffany lamps to be unveiled was the Byzantine-like chapel, at the world’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago in 1893. Other lamps produced were provided with unique names such as Dragonfly and wisteria.
It gained acceptance in Germany and the states, but not so much in France. Tiffany held a series of exhibitions in Germany and Austro-Hungarian to further spread its reach to people through the 1897 international art Exhibition in Dresden.
It performed well in the market with sales and popularity till around 1913, when it started to witness a decline. At some point, it ceased production. It was able to make a return to the markets in the 1950s, but the resurgence did not last long as reproduction of the Tiffany lamps had already begun and were all over the market in the 1970s.
Dale Tiffany Lamps
Dale Tiffany Inc. was established in the 1970s. It is a glass lamp, stained glass lighting fixtures, and crystal lamp manufacturing company, which specializes mostly in reproducing Louis Comfort Tiffany’s lamp (1890 to 1920s). It should be pointed out that there was no further connection between the two corporations.
New 22-inch Peony lamp copied from LC Tiffany pattern of the same name by Dale Tiffany Inc.
Dale Tiffany Lamp Markings
Most times, there seems to be difficulty in distinguishing between the two products because they share almost all attributes.
They are both marked with stamped metal tags. Similarities in the name, if not carefully examined in bright light can lead to confusion.
The original L.C Tiffany lamps are stamp tagged with the following caption “TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK”, it is always written in upper case letters, and sometimes has numbers inscribed next to it, usually the same size as the letters. No copyright mark, it is written in the San serif or block font style.
The Dale Tiffany tag is stamped as “© Dale Tiffany inc.”. Here, the marking of the letters is in upper and lower case, with the modern copyright mark, the lettering style is always in the script. It is often made of plain brass without platina.
What Makes Antique Tiffany Lamps Valuable?
People often tend to ask, what makes the Tiffany lamps so valuable as they are pronounced to be, well here’s why:
It is the rarity and the techniques used in creating the Tiffany lamps that made them valuable and hence expensive. Tiffany studio always made its lamps stems and bases with bronze alloys, and in extremely rare cases used pottery and its shades with favrile glass.
Lamps from Tiffany studios are an accurate example of mastery in arts and craftsmanship, as all the lamps were hand-made and not machine-made. This was the reason why few lamps were ever made, as it requires a high level of skill to be produced.
Tiffany lamps are some of the most expensive and valuable items in the world, the original items were produced from the 1890s to the 1930s.
Most antique dealers and collectors understand how rare the materials which are used to make an authentic lamp with elegant leaded glass shade are.
The lamps represent the Art Nouveau movement, marking the era of arts and crafts entering the 20th century. The lamps maintained their dominant influence concerning their style and uniqueness ( the stained leaded glass lamps) over the Victorian Ornate style.
The 15 Most Expensive Antique Tiffany Lamps.
1.A HIGHLY IMPORTANT LEADED GLASS, BRONZE, AND MOSAIC ‘LOTUS’ LAMP, Tiffany Studios, circa 1900-1910.
First seen in Circa, 1905.
This lamp has an estimated value of $2,800,000
The base stamp: TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK 352
Dimension:
28 inches high
34 ½ inches diameter
About
This leaded glass is said to be the rarest of all the antique Tiffany lamps. Also referred to as pink lotus, its outer shades hang in a continuous frieze of waterlilies with its bobbing flowers, buds, stamen, and umbrella-like leaves in rich and varied hues of pink, red, yellow, green, and blue showing a hilly border and suspended from chased bronze tendrils.
The second set of eight tendrils suspends eight favrile glass shades to depict the pink lotus flowers of globe shape, the tendrils falling along the shaft, spreading and spreading out to enclose green tesserae mosaic to resemble a large spreading lotus leaf chased on the edges to demonstrate the curl of the leaf edge.
Condition
The item is in an excellent condition
2.Tiffany Studios “Oriental poppy” Floor Lamp
This lamp has an estimated value of about $600,000 – $800,000.
The item is a property from an important American collection.
First seen in circa; 1910-1915
Crafted with a “Chased Pod” Senior base
Perfectly leaded glass, patinated bronze
shade stamped by the TIFFANY STUDIOS/NEW YORK/1902
Base stamped by TIFFANY STUDIOS/NEW YORK/376
Dimension:
79 inches (200.7 cm) high
26 1/2 inches (67.3 cm) diameter of shade
About
The Oriental Poppy, is synonymous with its large delightful flowers, heralding the arrival of the summer. This particular antique has always been a prominent point of discussion among artists and craftsmen alike, and L.C Tiffany was no different. He was taken with their natural beauty, planting beds of them at The Briars, his first Long Island estate, as well as the sunken garden at Laurelton Hall, where his “well-known preference for the oriental is allowed full rein. Poppies and golden creepers steep this delectable spot in rich color.”
Among its peculiar features is a large multi-petaled flower, some with either sapphire-blue or amber-yellow hubs, which offer breathtaking shades of scarlet, crimson, ruby, and orange-red. Dispersed evenly among the blossoms are smaller blue-streaked flowers about to bloom into red-tipped green and white buds and Brown-capped green seed pods. The dependants from green herbage with lavender highlights and against an overgrown powder-blue background.
Condition
The Favrile glass shades are all authentic and in great condition, and the shade is also in good condition.
3.TIFFANY STUDIOS “PEONY” TABLE LAMP
This lamp has an estimated value of $450,555 – $600,000
This is a Property from the Collection of Jeep and Carla Harned
First seen in circa, 1910
Distinguished by a rare reticulated “Arch and Leaf” base
Finely leaded glass, patinated bronze
Shade stamp: TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK 1505-3
Base stamp: TIFFANY STUDIOS/NEW YORK/542
Dimension:
33¼ inches (84.5 cm) high
22½ inches (57.2 cm) diameter of shade
About
Beyond its intrinsic magnificence, the peony is also considered to have had a great cultural and symbolic appeal for Tiffany. A popular motif in Eastern art, which Tiffany glorified and serves as an important source of inspiration in his work, the peony was believed to represent strength and was considered the “King of Flowers.”
As a unit, the lamp exhibits an impressive sculptural presence, scale, and elegant proportions. The bold and myriad color palette, ranging from deep crimson to vivid magenta and offset by a rich azure setting, provides the shade with exceptional dynamism.
Condition
The overall condition of the item is good.
4.TIFFANY STUDIOS “PEONY BORDER” FLOOR LAMP
Estimated value: $100,000 – $150,000
First seen in circa 1910
Crafted with a “Chased Pod” Senior floor base and “Pigtail” finial
Perfectly leaded glass, patinated bronze
Shade stamp: TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK 1574
Base stamp: Tiffany Studios /NEW YORk/376
Dimension
78¾ inches (200 cm) high
24¾ inches (62.9 cm) diameter of shade.
About
The lamp was acquired by Lilly Elizabeth Peterson, directly from Tiffany studio, circa around 1913 – 1914.
Lilly Elizabeth Peterson worked for Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt as a made. Mrs. Roosevelt talked Lilly into investing in any of the Tiffany studio lamps which she agreed.
Lilly acquired the Peony Border floor lamp around 193 – 1914. The item has since been in the family’s possession to date, passed down to the present owner.
The Tiffany Studios “Peony” border floor lamp with peony flowers varying in color from pink to pink/red to pink/purple, encircled by leaves in various shades of green, on a dappled light cyan and green ground. The border pinnacles at the shade’s top with rows of multi-hued red/blue/cyan glass. The shade is further accented by two rectangular rows of dappled green and amber/green glass spiraling the border base. The shade sits atop a patinated senior floor base with decoration,
Condition
Generally, the condition of the item is good, although with cracks that have been stabilized by a glass specialist.
5.TIFFANY STUDIOS ‘DROPHEAD DRAGONFLY‘ LEADED GLASS AND BRONZE TABLE LAMP
This lamp has an estimated value of $100,000 – $150,000
First seen in Circa, 1910
Manufacturer: TIFFANY STUDIOS, CIRCA 1910
Shade stamp: TIFFANY STUDIOS NY 100
Base stamp TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK 6142
Dimension:
41inches (104.2cm.) height including ‘pigtail’ finial
21¾inches (55.8cm.) diameter of the shade
About
A Tiffany Studios New York glass and bronze “Drophead Dragonfly” floor lamp, is featuring a lower row of dappled pale bleak dragonflies with wings of amber, white and yellow glass, and flickering red jeweled eyes.
Above the dragonflies, the shade is composed of an amber and yellow-hued dappled background further illuminated with jewels leading to a 3-tier geometric green border on the top rim. The shade sits on an elaborate junior library base.
Condition
The item is in excellent condition.
6.TIFFANY STUDIOS “TULIP” TABLE LAMP
This lamp has an estimated value of $100,000 – $150,000
This is a Property from the Collection of Jeep and Carla Harned
First seen circa 1910-1915
Features a telescoping reticulated “Queen Anne’s Lace” base
Neatly leaded glass, patinated bronze
shade stamp: TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK 1548
base stamp: TIFFANY STUDIOS/NEW YORK/397
Dimension
29 inches (73.7 cm) high
22⅝ inches (57.5 cm) diameter of shade
About
A Tiffany Studios New York “Tulip” glass and bronze table lamp. The shade is encompassed tulips in bloom in colors of pink, red, orange/yellow, and yellow, all on a blue ground with green leaves. The shade rests atop a patinated bronze library base.
This particular leaded glass and bronze table lamp features a “tulip” design shade on a telescopic bronze “root” base, the leading and bronze finish in a rich brown/green patina. Both the shade and base are stamped.
Condition
The item is in excellent condition.
7. Tiffany Studios “Leaded glass aquatic fish” Lamp
Estimated value: $80,000 – $100,000
First seen in Circa, 1910
Dimensions:
17.5 inches high
16 inches diameter shade.
About
One of the very rare and most expensive antique Tiffany lamps. It is a fine L.C Tiffany’s studio leaded glass aquatic fish lamp on a bronze pumpkin base. The shade is encircled by five fish in gold dappled glass, each having a red and green to clear fractured glass eyes with striated gold and opaque to pale bluegills and tails. The fish are swimming, encircled by seaweed in shades of lime green, and stand out against a water-like opalescent blue and green ripple glass.
The shade rests on 5 arms above the rare bronze pumpkin base; the micro tag signature on the shade is impressed “Tiffany Studios, New York”, the signature on the base is impressed “Tiffany Studios, New York /290.”
Condition
As for the condition of the antique, it has 7 minor heat cracks.
8.Tiffany Studios“curtain border” Floor Lamp
This item has an estimated value of $60,000 – $80,000
Shade with small early tag stamp TIFFANY STUDIOS/NEW YORK.
First seen in Circa, 1910.
Base Stamp: TIFFANY STUDIOS/NEW YORK/6864
Features a dichroic leaded glass, patinated bronze
with a “Scroll” Senior floor base and “PigTail” finial.
Dimension:
79 inches (200.66 cm) high
24 inches (60.96 cm) diameter
About
A Tiffany Studios senior floor lamp with dappled yellow and green “Curtain Border” leaded glass shade, the base with a heavy dark brown patina. This Tiffany Studios lamp has an original heat lid in a matching patina and is signed.
Condition
The item is in a good condition.
9.Tiffany Studios Eighteen-light “Lily” Table Lamp
The lamp has an estimated value of $40,000 – $60,000
This is a Property from the Collection of Sandra Moss
First seen in circa 1910
Components: favrile glass, patinated bronze
Sixteen shades etched L.C.T. Favrile; two shades etched L.C.T.
Base stamp: 28626/TIFFANY STUDIOS/NEW YORK/1 with the Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company monogram
Dimension:
23.25 inches (59.06 cm)
17 inches (43.18 cm)
About
A Tiffany Studios New York Favrile glass and patinated bronze “Eighteen-light Lily” lamp with 18 golden rainbow-colored glass “Lily” shades hanging over a patinated bronze “Lily Pad” base.
The hues are hoisted on slender curving stems that grow out of a base in the shape of water lily flowers and pads.
Condition
The item is in an excellent condition
10.TIFFANY STUDIOS ‘Greek’Leaded Dichroic Glass and Bronze Table Lamp
This lamp has an estimated value of $30,000 – $50,000
First seen in circa 1910.
Shade stamp: TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK 1564.
Base stamp TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK 529
Dimension
31½ in. (80 cm.) high, 25 in. (63.5 cm.) diameter of shade
About
The glass in this Dichroic Greek Key Border lamp is “mottled,” meaning it seems unequal. The greek key border, also popularly known as meander, is an extraordinary feature. The pattern captures a continuous linear line that shapes into geometric patterns.
This lamp also features a type of rare glass: dichroic glass, meaning it reflects light differently depending on the direction and the source of the light.
Condition
The item is in a good condition
11.TIFFANY STUDIOS ‘Linenfold‘ Favrile Glass and Gilt-Bronze Table Lamp
This lamp has an estimated value of $12,000 – $18,000
First seen in circa 1920
Dimensions
20 inches (50.8 cm) high
12 inches (30.48 cm) diameter
About
This Tiffany lamp is among the earliest produced by Tiffany Studios. It was made before when Tiffany embarked on the largely flower-patterned leaded-glass lampshades for which the firm is popularly known. Especially unusual is the use of the blown Favrile glass technique for the oil font, as he had only begun testing with blown glass a few years into his journey.
Typical of his creativeness, the lamp combines elements and unusual patterns to produce an object of elegant richness.
Condition
The item is in a good condition
12.A SECOND-LIGHT ‘LILY’ FAVRILE GLASS AND PATINATED BRONZE TABLE LAMP TIFFANY STUDIO
This lamp has an estimated value of GBP 10,000 -GBP 15,000
First seen in CIRCA 1910
The base stamp: ‘TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK 385’.
Six shades inscribed ‘L.C.T. Favrile’, one shade inscribed ‘L.C.T.’
Dimension:
20 inches (50.5 cm.) high
About
American Art Nouveau patinated bronze and acid-etched Tiffany Studios Seven Light Lily table lamp decorated with seven matching ten-point Tiffany Favrile Lily type shades. Each shade is marked with “L.C.Tiffany Favrile” and the base is signed, “Tiffany Studios New York 385.”
Condition
The item is in good condition
13.Tiffany Studios “Pomegranate” Table Lamp
This lamp has an estimated value of $12,000 – $15,000
First seen in circa 1910
Features a patinated bronze, leaded glass.
shade stamp: “Tiffany Studios, New York, 1457”
Base and oil canister stamp: “Tiffany Studios, New York, 185”
Dimensions
24 1/2 inches high
16 inches in diameter.
About
A magnificent lamp with the finely patinated bronze base in the Grecian Urn form and the 16-inch leaded dichroic glass shade is a wonderful example of the Pomegranate structure showing delicate autumnal hues of green, yellow, and orange.
Condition
Other than faint cracks and hairlines, the item is in a good condition.
14.TIFFANY STUDIOS “ADJUSTABLE DOUBLE STUDENT” LAMP
This lamp has an estimated value of $5,000 – $7,000
This is a Property from an Important American Collection.
First seen in circa 1905
Features favrile glass, patinated bronze
One shade stamped L.C.T.
The other shade stamped L.C.T. Favrile
Base stamp: TIFFANY STUDIOS/NEW YORK/316
Dimension:
26¼ inches (66.7 cm) high
22⅛ inches (56.2 cm) wide
About
The Tiffany Double Student Lamp With Original Tiffany Studios Shades in the Acorn design and Bronze Base. The Pair of Acorn hues is in Excellent Condition and sits on a Bronze Double Student original oil lamp base which has been electrified. The shades are stamped but the base is not. The base has a dark patina brown and is in good condition with some wear to the surface.
Conditions
Overall, the item is in good condition.
15.Tiffany Studios damascene floor lamp.
This item has an estimated value of $3,000 – $5,000
First seen in Circa, 1910.
Dimension:
The shade is 10.15 X 5.5 inches.
The base is 55 X 12.5 inches.
About
This outstanding Tiffany Studios floor lamp has a bronze harp base with a wonderful orange peel textured gilt gold patinated patina and ornate adorning base. The base supports a gold damascene shade with gold and silver rainbow-colored waves with dominant highlights.
A beautiful addition to your Art Deco Art Nouveau collection.
Shade is stamped on the inside of the fitter “LCT Favrile”.
The base is stamped on the underside “Tiffany Studios New York 425
Conditions
Overall, the item is in a good condition.
These are some of the expensive antique Tiffany lamps, but there are a few more breathtaking lamps that came out of the Tiffany Studios in online stores like ebay. Who knows, you might be in luck and find some of those rare ones.
Final words
The value of your antique Tiffany lamps is not impossible to determine. You can meet an expert antique collector who will closely examine the item and tell you its worth.
Or you can follow the factors we have listed above to determine how valuable your Tiffany antique lamps are.
So there you have it, but just how much are your antique Tiffany lamps worth?
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