Victorian Gone with the Wind Parlor Lamp with Floral Motif
Decorative Art; Kerosene/Oil Parlor Lamp • Likely manufactured by a prominent American company such as Fostoria Glass Co., Bradley & Hubbard, or Miller Lamp Company; hand-decoration by factory artisans.
Style & Movement
Victorian / Aesthetic Movement / American Decorative Arts
Medium & Technique
Hand-painted opal glass (milk glass), brass, and cast metal. Techniques include transfer-printing or hand-painted enameling with fired-on pigments and metal casting.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century, approximately 1885-1900
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24-28 inches in height; vertical/cylindrical format with spherical shade.
Subject Description
The lamp features a globular top shade and a matching fount base decorated with pink and white roses on a shaded green ground. The floral imagery is representative of late Victorian sentimentalism and domestic decorative trends.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The glass appears intact without visible cracks; the brass/metal components show age-appropriate patina and some surface oxidation.
Estimated Market Value
$250 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely inherited or acquired through the private antique market; typical of domestic American interiors from the turn of the century.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the 'Gone with the Wind' style lamp (historically inaccurate name coined after the 1939 film) which was the pinnacle of late 19th-century domestic lighting technology and home fashion.
Notable Features
Features a matching shade and base (often separated over time), an original glass hurricane chimney, and an ornate Rococo-style cast metal base.
Condition Issues
Possible surface scratches to the fired-on paint; minor tarnishing on the brass burner and metal footed base; potential electrification of the original kerosene mechanism which may affect value.
Conservation Recommendations
Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners on the painted glass. Maintain stable humidity to prevent further metal corrosion.