Antique Torchiere Floor Lamp
Decorative Art; Lighting Fixture • Unknown American manufacturer; possibly Remington, Stiffel, or Miller Lamp Company
Style & Movement
Art Deco or Early 20th Century Revivalism
Medium & Technique
Cast and spun brass with an opaque white milk glass or opal glass shade and a pull-chain switch mechanism.
Creation Period
Circa 1920s–1940s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 55–65 inches in height with a 10–12 inch base diameter; upright vertical format.
Subject Description
A vertical floor lamp featuring a weighted circular base, a slender fluted or smooth shaft with ringed accents, and a distinctive milk glass reflector shade (I.E.S. type) designed for indirect upward lighting.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the brass exhibits a natural aged patina and minor surface oxidization consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$150 – $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 – $250 USD
Provenance History
Private collection; typically acquired through domestic retail or estate sales in North America during the mid-20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the transition in home lighting from direct flame-shaped bulbs to indirect 'torchiere' lighting which gained popularity following the 1925 Paris Exposition. It represents the democratization of Art Deco elegance in middle-class domestic interiors.
Notable Features
Features a classic I.E.S. (Illuminating Engineering Society) style opal glass diffuser which was a hallmark of high-quality early 20th-century residential lighting.
Condition Issues
Surface tarnish and patina on brass; possible fraying of internal vintage wiring (safety hazard); minor scuffs on the glass shade.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional rewiring to meet modern safety standards (UL listing); gentle cleaning of glass with mild soap; avoid harsh abrasives on brass to preserve the antique patina.
Collector Notes
Antique brass floor lamp