Featured Modeline table lamp

SeaWolf · Nov 16, 2017

Here are the pics of my lamps:

verybrad · Nov 16, 2017

Wow! Great find from the trash. The condition issues can certainly be forgiven in this case. What material are your shades made from?

KingofThings · Nov 17, 2017

verybrad said: ↑

Here are some more pics of the table lamp I posted in the finds thread. I have found several similar example attributed to Modeline. It was a CA company making lamps in the 50s and 60s. I have not been able to verify this attribution and can find nothing else about the company. A designer named Adrian Pearsall made very similar lamps but this does not appear to be one of his. There are some differences with my lamp that make me wonder if someone else was making these or if there were just manufacturing variations over time. The biggest difference with mine are the shades.

The outer shade on mine has a different pattern to the fabric than any others I have seen. It has hole in the center to optionally mount to a harp which made me think it might not be original to the lamp. It does fit exactly otherwise and the size is exact to some of the others. Most of the others I found did not have detailed enough pictures to see how the shades mounted or if their shades also has the optional hole configuration. Some of the shades I found were of different size and mounted completely differently. I also know that this lamp resided with one family since new and the granddaughter I got it from believed the shade to be original.

The inner shade on mine is of a heavier fiberglass with a rough bubbly texture different than any others I saw. On some the inner shade seemed to be paper. In others, they may have been fiberglass but much thinner and less structural. I also found that most, if not all, seemed to have the inner shade attached to the three upright at the top of the shade. Mine does not attach, nor does it look like any ever did.

I really can not explain why my shades are different than any others found. Some I found seemed to have some replacement shades but they could have been just other variations. The most similar to mine are the ones found on First Dibs. There are three identical there so I have to think they are original. There are others pretty much identical elsewhere. Here is a link to one with good pictures ....

https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/lighting/table-lamps/mid-century-table-lamp-modeline/id-f_1790942/

Here are my pics .....

View attachment 34679 View attachment 34680 View attachment 34681 View attachment 34682 View attachment 34683
Click to expand...

Nice!!!

KingofThings · Nov 17, 2017

SeaWolf said: ↑

I have come to be the owner of these Modeline lamps by way of seeing the tops sticking out of a trash can! I couldn't believe it - gasp, who throws these away?!!!
They are in pretty good shape. The felt covering on the bottom of one is mostly gone. Both lamps other than that are in the same condition except the small crack in the brass platted dome on one base.
The finish on the lower wood base is slightly aged (wood itself is fine) on both and the brass platting is pitted (Being that they were found in a SoCal coastal city, I guess the sea air had a negative effect).
The brass platted vertical rod up the center is a bit tarnished and worn, but the function works perfectly.
The walnut sculptured shafts are gorgeous and in perfect condition, as is the walnut knob that rides up the vertical center rod. The small chain that attaches to the sliding knob and activates the socket is attached, perfect and functional
The inner cylinder shade - made of a fiberglass-type of material - is in perfect condition, attached solidly and the paper liner around the top and bottom is undamaged although a bit dusty. Overall the lamp is very solid and sturdy.
Such a beautiful, sculptural lamp and so representative of the era.
This find is a treasure hunters dream, and maybe I should include it in the "best finds thread".

I will attach some images if anyone is interested.
Click to expand...

SeaWolf said: ↑

Here are the pics of my lamps:

View attachment 99237 View attachment 99238 View attachment 99239 View attachment 99240
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I’d have gone head first in after those!

SeaWolf · Nov 17, 2017

verybrad said: ↑

Wow! Great find from the trash. The condition issues can certainly be forgiven in this case. What material are your shades made from?
Click to expand...

Hmmm... I keep responding but it doesn't go through.
Looks like a very thin fiberglass, or a resin soaked fabric/paper...?

Drew · Nov 17, 2017

This is a internet image of a Modeline I have, found 20 years ago. A walnut table lamp that is 44" tall with original shade (era of huge table lamps). It has four plexi-glass panels with hand applied abstract decoration of some kind of plastic. Never seen another, aside from photos provided here - I'm guessing 1958-62 ? Mine has smaller a period replaced shade.

SeaWolf · Nov 18, 2017

Drew said: ↑

This is a internet image of a Modeline I have, found 20 years ago. A walnut table lamp that is 44" tall with original shade (era of huge table lamps). It has four plexi-glass panels with hand applied abstract decoration of some kind of plastic. Never seen another, aside from photos provided here - I'm guessing 1958-62 ? Mine has smaller a period replaced shade. View attachment 99409
Click to expand...

Very unusual for sure. Any makers mark on it?

Drew · Nov 19, 2017

It has a Modeline decal on the socket. I paid $23. at a flea market - one of my favorite finds. Would like to find a massive drum shade like the one shown to make the lamp correct, but figure this will be a custom shade - I just don't see such large period shades this size in decent condition.

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SeaWolf New Member

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KingofThings 'Illiteracy is a terrible thing to waist' - MHH

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