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Very few authentic Tiffany Studios lamps come up for sale in Europe, but occasionally one does. Aguttes, a French auction house, sold one on March 24, 2022 in their 20th Century Design sale. The lamp was a rare 16″ diameter Grapevine shade on a Bamboo base; a strange combination, in my opinion, but apparently original as presented.
Figuring out the value of this lamp was difficult because there were no comparisons with the usual suspects; Tiffany floral, leaded lamps. This one was built with six green glass bent panels and overlaid with Grapevine filigree. Who could I sell this lamp to? Most probably a collector of the Grapevine desk set who had the means to pay for it; i.e., a small subset of Tiffany lamp buyers. Seems like caution should have been my operative word.
I did my due diligence by getting a condition report. The shade was unsigned; a negative, but not a deal breaker. The base was a very good model, but usually seen with a matching Bamboo shade. The condition was superb, including the glass panels and the patina on both the shade and base. The sockets had been changed to European; a negative because of the cost of changing them back to American. I had to weigh it all in determining what I was willing to pay.
Selling as lot #34, it had an estimate of €6,000 – €8,000. I decided to bid up to €12,000, but got carried away when the bidding passed that. I dropped out at about €15,000. It sold for €19,500, including buyer’s premium; approximately $21,418. I was the underbidder. I don’t think I would have been the buyer even if I had gone a little higher. The other bidder seemed determined.
And so it goes. You win some and you lose some. I’ll keep searching. If you have any Tiffany lamps for sale, please think of me.
For the complete results of the sale, click here.No shows until October 20, 2022, when we’ll exhibit at the Baltimore Art, Antique & Jewelry Show. Two weeks later we’ll exhibit at the Antiques + Modernism Show in Winnetka, IL, starting on November 4, 2022.
Let me know what interests you, even if you don’t see it on my website. I’ve got lots of items that I haven’t listed yet and I know how to locate what you desire.
I listed some of the new items on my website and will list more every week. Click Philip Chasen Antiques to take a look. I will make every effort to actively list new items as often as time permits. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.