WHAT: When a Tiffany Studios Geranium table lamp brought $94,800 in a James D. Julia auction in Maine, the fine shade had a lot to do with the result. Measuring 17 inches in diameter, the color, leaded glass, cone-shaped shade features red flowers with blue and green vari-color leaves, plus a background of multi-color confetti glass. The shade is signed on the underside.
MORE: Set on a classic Tiffany Studios bronze base column, the lamp has a fancy platform base. Together, the base pieces have a rich patina created by age. Three arms with sockets hold bulbs; at the top is an authentic Tiffany pierced cap. Total height is 22Β½ inches, and the lamp has been rewired with an appropriate cloth cord. Other glass shade lamps by varied makers also sold in the auction, but the Geranium took the cake. Another Tiffany Studios lamp, one with a blue Dogwood shade, realized $59,250.
SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: The term βTiffany glass lampβ has become generic, but only lamps made by Tiffany Studios in New York City using techniques developed by Louis Comfort Tiffany are true Tiffany. From the early 1890s until the company closed in the early 1930s, the studio created lighting and windows, plus blown-glass objects as well as art metals and enamels.
HOT TIP: At the time, lamps of this size were called βlibraryβ lamps.
BOTTOM LINE: Sale total was more than $2.8 million, with important glass and fine jewelry joining lamps and fine ceramics. In todayβs market, the best always sells highest.
