Vintage items fall into a span of time ranging from 20 years ago to 100 years ago. Lamps manufactured 100 years ago or more are considered antiques. Lamps made in the last 20 years are considered recently manufactured. Not all lamps created during a vintage time period will be in original condition. Some may have new shades or new cords and may even have had repairs made to various design details. It can be more difficult for you to pin down the authenticity of repaired lamps. A manufacturer's name, a date, or a location of the manufacturer can narrow down the possibilities.
Instructions
1. Identify the time period considered vintage. Subtract 20 years from the current year and then subtract 100 years from the current year; that gives you the 80-year range of vintage lamps. For example, 2010 minus 20 is 1990, and 2010 minus 100 is 1910. Vintage lamps in the year 2010 are those manufactured between 1990 and 1910.
2. Examine the lamp from all angles for a maker's mark, a date or a place of manufacture.
3. Photograph the lamp in full height and in detail. Include any ornate carving, printing, cords, plugs, harps or design features. Carry the photos when doing research or consulting with an expert.
4. Note the shape of the lamp, the types of materials used, the switches and the general condition of the lamp. Similarities and differences between the lamp and a vintage style or era will help identify when the lamp was made and who the manufacturer might be.
5. Research the design periods that fall into the vintage category by reading about interior design, historic lighting, lamp manufacturers, vintage lamp prices and the history of lamps from the 80-year period you have determined. Price lists are often included in vintage lamp catalogs. Search libraries, bookstores and online for research materials.
6. Visit antique and vintage stores and examine lamps that are similar. Ask the manager about their history, who the manufacturer might be and where they were made. Show the manager the photos of the lamp needing identification and ask about its possible time period.
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