Vintage Swirled Glass and Marble Table Lamp Base
Decorative art / Table lamp • Unknown manufacturer, likely American or European mass-market decorative lighting producer
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Transitional decorative arts
Medium & Technique
Molded and twisted clear glass, carved white marble base, cast metal with silver-tone finish and amber-tone plastic or bakelite neck component, brass socket
Creation Period
Mid-20th century, circa 1950s-1960s
Dimensions & Format
Estimated height approximately 16 to 18 inches including socket, base approximately 4 to 5 inches square, upright vertical format
Subject Description
A functional table lamp base featuring a square white marble plinth, a scalloped silver-tone metal foot, an hourglass-shaped clear glass body with optical spiral ribbing, an amber-toned spindle neck, and a standard brass light socket fixture with an attached brown electrical cord.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. Shows surface wear, tarnishing to the metal components, minor oxidation on the brass socket, and typical signs of age and prior use.
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $50
Auction Estimate
$15 - $30
Provenance History
Thrift store or estate sale acquisition, with a visible price tag sticker ($9.99) attached to the background surface indicating secondary retail handling.
Art Historical Significance
Representative example of mid-century mass-produced domestic lighting fixtures that incorporated classical materials like marble and twisted glass to appeal to traditional and transitional home aesthetics.
Notable Features
Distinctive swirled optic pattern in the clear glass body mounted on a squared white marble base, combining traditional textures with mid-century lamp architecture.
Condition Issues
Tarnishing and pitting on the metal base and socket, minor scuffing on the marble base, and potential wiring safety concerns due to age requiring inspection.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean glass with mild glass cleaner, gently polish metal components if desired, and have the electrical wiring professionally inspected or replaced for safety before use.