Featured What would you do with this lamp?

I recently came into this lamp somewhat haphazardly, and didn't really have the opportunity to inspect it as several individuals at a COVID compliant estate sale were going for it all at once. For the price of $20 is was bagged and handed to me. At home I realized there are some issues with it and wondering your opinions as to whether to pursue repairs, knowing it will never have full value (or may not have much at all), or just turn it over for about what I paid for it (or donate it) and call it done. Money is money, but I'm not going to lose sleep or spend a large sum of $$ on this for a $20 purchase.

By all appearances, there have been some repairs/work done previously. I typically thoroughly inspect items whenever possible (probably to the extreme), but this was a necessary total on-the-fly purchase. It was somewhat misrepresented by the sellers, but in their defense there was a somewhat unexpected death and they were dealing with lots of stuff and issues all at once. I value your opinions & thoughts, so please comment if you have one. TIA-hope all is well in your corner of the world.

 

Closest shade I've found in a review of the internet.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/606482386/antique-lady-native-aboriginal-amazone

 

You could probably get away with gluing down the shade trim with a metal glue but the hole in the base is a much bigger problem.

 

I think it's a lovely lamp and a great price for $20, even with the damages.
I recall another user on here posting a repair they had done of a spelter lamp with similar damage as the base. Unfortunately, I am having trouble finding the link...

 

You should easily get $10 for it someday

 

maybe @i need help can help track down the spelter lamp repair thread.

 

Found it!
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/french-19th-century-spelter-sculpture-of-a-warrior.31763/

 

VERY NICE LAMP !!! .. I would have purchased it also .. Joy.

 

I appreciate all the input. Another question - what would you call the figure? The seller called it an impish fawn, but I don't know about that. (Of course my mythological knowledge is basic, at best.) Ideas? Thank you!

 

Thanks - that will be very helpful.

 

Hi,
I think that 1960s lampshade is a marriage. I have the same basic lamp with a regular linen shade. My lamp is black with the cloth strip has an old gilded finish.
greg

 

I was thinking both the lamp and shade might be 1960s/70s. (In the style of older.)

 

The lamp base is a newer reproduction of older white metal figural lamps. The price was right and lamp worth saving. I would suggest replacing existing shade with a modern silk shade. You can often find silk shades at thrift shops. You can easily repair the damaged hole with a steel epoxy called JB Weld SteelStick. Make a small ball of mixed epoxy and squeeze it into the hole. If possible remove lamp base felt so you can finger the putty inside base. You want to smooth putty inside and out for strongest fit and to contour the outer surface to existing shape. After epoxy dries, you can cover repair with matching paint or use a product called Rub N Buff to apply a metalic wax coating. Make sure to use gloves with this product. Rewire lamp if existing wire damaged. Reattach the bottom base felt using glue. Personally, I would use Rub n Buff antique gold to add POP to the entire lamp base. I strongly suggest you add a felt bottom to lamp to prevent scratching furniture.

 

The marriage idea definitely crossed my mind. I think I'll give it a quick clean-up (it's dirty) and then set it aside for a few weeks. I tend to make better decisions if I re-visit something later. Not too much later, or it just becomes "stuff" in storage areas. I like the new shade inexpensive shade idea and oldlampguy's suggestions. Maybe it will evolve into "shabby chic" mentioned on Worthpoint. Just love it when I create my own "work."