There are things that we use because of their aesthetic value. And then there are things that are a part of history and stand as legendary. Stiffel lamps are in that category.
Born in 1932, the Stiffel Lamp Company has endured a lot. The second world war, a lawsuit, and many more are on the timeline of this well-known brand.
The thing that sets them apart from any other lamp on the market is their design, quality material, and signature foil seal on the bottom. Having one Stiffel lamp means it will last for generations to come.
And the value of the lamps never falls. So how to identify a Stiffel lamp, is what we are going to talk about in today’s article.
What Is a Stiffel Lamp
A Stiffel Lamp is a lamp designed and created by The Stiffel Lamp Company. The best part about is that it is handcrafted from the finest material by skilled craftsmen.
Not only that, it is made in the US. Their headquarter is in Linden, NJ. So you know you are getting the true American-made product.
How to Identify a Stiffel Lamp if It Is a Vintage
With a lot of newcomers in the market, it is hard to distinguish between any inexpensive lamp from a Stiffel Lamp at first glance.
But with a little close inspection, you can do it with ease and identify a genuine lamp. After all, a real Stiffel lamp costs hundreds and even thousands if it is an antique.
Here are the things you must look for to identify a genuine Stiffel lamp.
Product Material and Weight
Stiffel is known for its brass, nickel and bronze-finished lamps. They don’t coat regular plastic or lightweight material with any metal but cast the whole body in molds from scratch.
You will be able to tell if you closely inspect the details of the design. Each of their lamps is handcrafted. So you will find them polished and finished perfectly.
Along with the material, there comes the weight of the lamp. Stiffel lamps weigh more than ordinary lamps. Which is the result of using quality material throughout.
In Detail Craftsmanship
One of the things that always made Stiffel lamps stand out is their design. The creator Ted Stiffel being a student of fine arts, always had an eye for craftsmanship and design.
Every little detail on a lamp is created with care and precision. This is why they are more expensive than an ordinary lamp.
They are made to last for generations to come and blend in with any interior design. That is what makes them one of the antiques of today.
Signature on the Bottom
The last thing to inspect is their signature logo on the bottom of every lamp.
This takes over a week to set and will stay there till the end of time. Although you can replicate this, it won’t be as precise as the ones they do back in Stiffel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Stiffel lamps worth?
Stiffel lamps go out from $300 to $2500 per lamp, which is huge for just a lamp. Due to being handcrafted individually and having quality material that will last generation, it is worth making the investment. And there is also the value for the collector’s item.
How to find out what lamp I have?
To find out what type of lamp you have, look underneath the lamp for the manufactures seal, date of production, and serial number. Also, you can look under the lamp shade where some manufacturers leave their info.
Are Stiffel lamps out of style?
No. Stiffel lamps have been one the intricate lamps in homes since 1932. This makes them vintage rather than out of style. As they made lamps that blended perfectly in any interior setting, they are worth investigating.
How much do Stiffel lamps weigh?
Stiffel lamps weigh depending on their design. It ranges from 4lbs to 9lbs. The material, size, and design is the factor that makes them weigh differently.
Conclusion
As Stiffel lamps went out of business in 2000 and were bought by Salton, they don’t make any lamps. But they shifted the molds to China, so you might find new lookalikes in the market at a lesser price. But it won’t compare to an antique that was produced back then.
