Mid-Century Spiral Molded White Milk Glass Table Lamp
Decorative Art / Lighting Fixture • Unidentified American glassware manufacturer (commonly produced by companies such as Fenton, Westmoreland, or Anchor Hocking).
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / American Decorative Folk Revival
Medium & Technique
Opaque white glass (Milk Glass), press-molded with brass and metal hardware components.
Creation Period
Circa 1950s - 1960s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12-14 inches in height (to the top of the socket); 6-inch diameter base; Three-dimensional vertical format.
Subject Description
A table lamp featuring a milk glass base with a distinctive spiral or 'swirl' ribbing motif. The central body consists of a bulbous lower section tapering into a fluted neck, resting on a wide, scalloped-edge saucer base with matching radial ribbing. This design combines utilitarian function with the mid-20th-century aesthetic for milk glass collectibles.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; functional but shows significant age and wear.
Estimated Market Value
$30 - $60 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $40 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely a mass-produced household item from the mid-20th century, typically found in American domestic interiors and later secondary markets such as estate sales or antique shops.
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the post-war popularity of Milk Glass in the United States, transitioning from Victorian-era revival to streamlined Mid-Century Modern manufacturing. While mass-produced, it represents a specific era of American domestic design accessibility.
Notable Features
Distinguished by the continuous spiral pattern that flows across the bulbous body and the integrated saucer-style base, which mimics early 19th-century candle-stand designs.
Condition Issues
The brass socket and neck hardware show significant oxidation and patina. The electrical cord is aged and may pose a safety risk. The glass base appears intact but may have minor 'flea bites' or surface scratches consistent with use.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend professional rewiring to meet modern safety standards. Clean the glass with a mild, non-abrasive detergent. The metal hardware should be cleaned with a soft cloth but the patina may be left as found to preserve the vintage character.