The Most Valuable Antique Lamps in the World
The world's most valuable antique lamps are more than well-designed light fixtures. They are pieces of art and history created by the world's finest innovators and craftsmen. Many antique lamps exist as one of a few or the only one of their kind, making them highly sought-after as rare collectibles.
What Are Some of the Biggest Names in the Lamp Industry and Why?
Throughout history, the lamp industry has included some of the world's most talented designers and craftsmen. From innovative ideas to stunning details, the world's best lamp designers have combined lighting, art and talent to create some of the most expensive antique lamp brands. Some of the lamp industry's biggest names include the following companies:
Tiffany Studios
Tiffany Studios, founded by Louis Comfort Tiffany, is known for the innovation it brought to the lamp industry. Tiffany developed the copper foil technique and favrile glass to create colorful glass without enamel or paint. He mixed glass of various colors together to create Favrile glass, which he debuted at Chicago's 1893 World Fair. Tiffany developed the copper foil method by creating a flexible, thin foil to connect glass pieces without noticeable joints or heavy lines.
Both Favrile glass and the copper foil method led to the production of stained glass Tiffany lamps. Over 300 artisans designed and constructed Tiffany & Co.'s handcrafted lamps with intricate, nature-inspired details. Tiffany lamps grew in popularity and became part of the Art Nouveau movement.
Handel Company
The Handel Company is known for producing distinct conical-shaped lampshades with intricate, hand-painted scenes. Craftsmen used reverse painting to paint the backs of glass panels so scenes could be seen correctly on the front of the glass. Due to their various scene depictions, many Handel lamps are very rare and unique.
Philip J. Handel established the Handel Company in Connecticut in 1885. Handel lamps were considered a more affordable alternative to Tiffany lamps. The company closed in 1936 due to the Great Depression. Today, people seek Handel lamps for their unique painted scenes and quality craftsmanship.
Salviati
The Salviati family brought their artful mosaic production expertise to the glassmaking industry in 1877. Antonio Salviati became famous for creating gorgeous enamel glass mosaics using a small knife, hammer and glue. Salviati's partner, Lorenzo Radi, helped him create Chalcedony glass, which gives the glass a range of colors to resemble chalcedony minerals.
Antonio Salviati left the company to his sons, Silvio and Giulio, and the Barovier family later purchased the company. Salviati's glass creations are featured at Saint Paul's Cathedral in London, Westminster's Cathedral, Wales' Chamberlain Memorial and Paris' Opera Theatre.
Baccarat
Baccarat is one of the most famous names in the glass production industry. The company is still in business today. Baccarat Glassworks was established in 1764 and began producing crystal glass by adding nickel oxide in the manufacturing process. The company's glass features unusual clarity and great solidity.
Pairpoint
Deming Jarves founded Pairpoint in 1837, and the company became known for producing the United States' finest glass and timeless designs. In 1905, the company released puffy lamps — hand-painted lamps with complex configurations and shapes that bulge outward for a unique appearance. The company used the mold-blown technique to craft these interesting lamps.
Most Valuable Lamps in the World
The most valuable lamps in the world are known for their innovative designs, incredible details, gorgeous colors and fine craftsmanship. Some of the world's most valuable antique lamps include the following:
Tiffany Trumpet Creeper Table Lamp
The Tiffany Trumpet Creeper table lamp was crafted around 1900. It is a colorful lamp created with Tiffany's signature Favrile glass and bound with bronze. It is valued at more than $300,000. Tiffany lamps are rare since production ended in the 20th century, making them incredibly valuable.
Tiffany Wisteria Lamp
The Tiffany Wisteria lamp is one of the most expensive table lamps and is sometimes valued by as much as $1 million. This iconic lamp features intricate details and beautiful colors to resemble a hanging wisteria.
Pink Lotus Tiffany Lamp
Even more valuable than Tiffany's wisteria lamp is the Pink Lotus lamp. Tiffany's Pink Lotus lamp is worth approximately $2.8 million. It features handcrafted glass pieces. This piece of art is considered one of the most valuable table lamps in the world, and it is one of the most expensive lamps in the world. This stunning lamp is worth so much because many people believe it is the only one of its kind in existence.
Baccarat Solstice Comete Chandelier
The Baccarat Solstice Comete Chandelier makes a significant impact measuring 5 feet wide and 7 feet tall. It is worth approximately $170,000, and it features over 1,800 handcrafted crystal pieces. Its dazzling and spectacular craftsmanship makes it the most expensive Baccarat chandelier.
Salviati Chandelier
Giulio Salviati designed the gothic and elegant Salviati chandelier, made of stunning crystal glass. The Salvati chandelier is the only one of its design in existence. This beautiful and rare chandelier is worth over $1 million.
Handel Elk Lamp
The highest price ever paid for a Handel Elk lamp was $85,000 at an auction in 2008. Its reverse-painted glass features a rare mountain scene with a beautiful elk. The lamp is handcrafted with patinated metal, making it one of the world's most expensive Handel lamps.
Pairpoint Puffy Owl Table Lamp
The Pairpoint Puffy Owl table lamp is worth approximately $65,000. It measures 21 1/2 inches and features a gray and white snow owl perched on a branch. The lamp's fine details and custom-made base are highly valuable to collectors. The Puffy Owl lamp is one of Pairpoint's most unique creations.
Buy and Sell Lamps at Fontaine's
Buy or sell antique lamps at Fontaine's Auction Gallery. Fontaine's allows buyers and sellers to easily participate in auctions in person, online or over the phone. No matter which method you choose, you'll get to have an exciting auctioning experience. Our experts will provide complimentary estimates to help your items reach their greatest value, and we specialize in Tiffany Studios Lamps. We offer one flat rate that includes transportation, photography and insurance fees, so you never have to worry about hidden charges.
At Fontaine's, you can find some of the most stunning items to add to your collection or sell your antique items for what they are worth. Sell your antique lamps at Fontaine's to realize their greatest value, or purchase fine antique lamps to own a truly artistic piece of history.
