WHAT: Tiffany Studios is not the only major player in high-end collectible table lamps made circa late 1800s to early 1900s. The Handel Company in Meriden, Connecticut, also produced fine electric lamps that collectors seek.
Originally considered a less pricey alternative to Tiffany’s art glass shades, Handel produced a variety of decorative items including Tiffany-type lighting and lamps with reverse hand-painted shades; most with scenic themes. Reverse painting involves a design applied on the inside of the shade. When the lamp is on the design is backlit and the resulting effect is soft.
MORE: At their best, Handel’s reverse painted shades decorated by known studio artists are works of art that sell high. When one with an underwater scene including fish and aquatic plants brought $60,500 in a December 2017 James D. Julia auction, few were surprised. Handel was the best at reverse painting, and the 20.5-inch-high lamp is one of its finest.
The aquatic theme continued in the trident finial on top and the original Handel base decorated with fish and plants. Formed in panels, the signed and numbered shade has a “chipped ice” glass finish on the exterior.
SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: Lesser Handel wares and standard hand-painted shades sell far lower. Pedestrian doesn’t cut it, and top dollar goes only to the best.
HOT TIP: Other major lamp makers of the period were Duffner & Kimberly and Pairpoint, the seller of “puffy” shades.
BOTTOM LINE: Today’s market continues to be extremely stratified, where only the best of its kind brings serious money. The bottom level does not sell and the middle struggles, depending on the wants of picky buyers.
