Antiques -> Decorative Arts

Tiffany lamps offer collectors a chance not only to find something valuable but also a collector’s piece that is functional and beautiful. If you are looking for a piece that will enhance your home as well as your bottom line, then this is definitely a collectible to consider. However, there are a few things that you need to know before you purchase a Tiffany lamp.

1. Don’t be Fooled by Fakes
Reproductions are incredibly common. The term Tiffany lamp refers to two very different things. The first means that it was a design made by the actual Louis C. Tiffany. The second refers to the general style of these lamps, in that they have stained glass shades and sturdy bases. The first is incredibly valuable, the second may be expensive, but is not an actual collector’s item.

2. Look for the Mark
A genuine Tiffany lamp that was designed by Louis C. Tiffany will contain his mark, which was LCT. Look for this on the lamp’s base, or possibly on the shade, depending on which year it was made. Some authentic Tiffany lamps will actually have a small paper label, while others will contain his full name and a reference number. These are the most desirable. However, this is usually not enough to tell if a Tiffany lamp is genuine.

3. Solder Matters
Pay attention to the solder on the shade of a Tiffany lamp. A brand new reproduction will often have solder that is either incredibly perfect, or poorly done, depending on the origin of the piece. A real Tiffany lamp will usually have solder that has a few mistakes, making it a bit imperfect. That is actually part of its charm, and part of Louis C. Tiffany’s philosophy, where the look of the glass mattered more to him than the technical part of putting it together.

4. Look for surface decorations
Many of Louis C. Tiffany’s lamps were devoid of surface decorations, again because he preferred to let the beauty of the glass speak for the lamp. The bases for these Tiffany lamps may not be as intricate as today’s models, and were generally more functional.

5. Buyer Beware
Thanks to today’s technology it is very easy to produce a fake Tiffany lamp. Above all, collectors should remember that if a price appears to be too good to be true, it usually is. In fact, some of the best designs that were made by Tiffany were never actually marked and were intended to be gifts for his friends and employees. While you can use the above criteria to assist you, it should not be the final word on whether or not a lamp is authentic.

The best solution is to shop for a Tiffany lamp from a reputable dealer that has built up a solid reputation of providing original Tiffany lamps. Avoid overly low prices and remember, that sometimes, it’s all about the beauty of the glass – just like Tiffany believed. If you like a lamp and find that it is beautiful, not being able to authenticate it shouldn’t keep you from enjoying it, just as long as you understand that it may not have value beyond it’s actual beauty.

Photo Credits: Beesnest McClain

Originally posted 2008-08-15 05:00:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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