Hexagonal Tapered Slag Glass or Mica Lamp Shade
Decorative Art / Lighting Component • American Arts and Crafts manufacturer; possibly in the style of Bradley & Hubbard, Miller, or Chicago Mosaic Lamp Co.
Style & Movement
Arts and Crafts / Mission Style
Medium & Technique
Leaded slag glass or amber mica panels set within a patinated metal (likely zinc, lead, or copper) frame. The panels exhibit a mottled, 'end-of-day' texture, while the metal frame utilizes soldered joinery.
Creation Period
Early 20th Century (Circa 1900–1925)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 8 to 10 inches in height, with a base diameter of approximately 10 to 12 inches; hexagonal pyramidal format.
Subject Description
A utilitarian yet decorative lamp shade featuring six trapezoidal panels that taper toward a flat hexagonal top. The top plate includes a central heat vent and smaller peripheral ventilation holes. The coloring is organic, featuring tones of amber, ochre, and deep brown to simulate natural stone or mica.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The structure appears stable, though the metal components show typical oxidation and patina consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$150 – $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 – $250 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely an estate-found item or part of a domestic lighting fixture from the early 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
An example of the democratization of the Arts and Crafts movement, where hand-crafted aesthetics were applied to mass-produced domestic lighting to bring 'honest' materials into the middle-class American home.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its severe, geometric Mission-style lines and the specific mottled texture of the panels which provides a warm, diffused luminescence when lit from within.
Condition Issues
Visible surface oxidation on the metal frame; minor pitting on the top plate; possible loose soldering at the seams; dust accumulation on internal surfaces.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with a soft cloth; avoid harsh abrasives or chemicals that could strip the original patina. Ensure stable environmental conditions to prevent further oxidation.