Antique Lamp Buyer's Guide: Identifying Late 19th and Early 20th Century American Lighting
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Book Overview
Do you own an old lamp? Are you wondering what it is, how it was originally used, how you can make it better, or how much it was worth? If so, this book is written for you Easy to read, and complete with price guide, The Antique Lamp Buyer's Guide answers many of the basic questions confronting lamp collectors from, "Where do I look for a manufacturer's signature?" to "How do I distinguish reproductions from originals?" Using a combination of color photographs and catalogue illustrations, this richly illustrated book provides a wealth of information for anyone interested in buying or selling old lighting. Author Nadja Maril also discusses the restoration issues that confront anyone wanting to use old lighting, such as rewiring, practical uses for fixtures originallly made for gas or oil, and restoring and protecting metal finishes. Sure to become an invaluable reference tool, The Antique Lamp Buyer's Guide covers examples of American lighting made between the mid-nineteenth century and the second World War, a time period during which lighting technology changed from oil to kerosene, gas, and electricity. An essential guide to identifying types of lamps and their styles, this book is designed for both the beginning and the advanced collector.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0764304275
ISBN13:9780764304279
Release Date:December 1997
Publisher:Schiffer Publishing
Length:144 Pages
Weight:1.70 lbs.
Dimensions:0.5" x 8.5" x 11.1"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Terrific photos but pretty skimpy on reference features
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
This book provides a good overview of vintage lamps (including both oil and electric) and some excellent photos of an assortment of these lamps. If you like lamps, it is a pleasant book to read because of the excellent photography and the fairly broad array of lamp styles found in the book. I was, however, disappointed that the author falls short in the basic research that collectors really need. The title says it is a guide for antique lamp buyers, but the book has not been particularly helpful to me when I have looked at buying different lamps. For example, look up Bradley & Hubbard's electric lamps in the index and it directs you to photos of a sconce made by B & H - no electric lamps. It tells you little about the company history, their identifying marks, the quality of their product, and which styles tend to be preferred. Despite these critical comments, this still is probably the best book on the market today. So, I would recommend this book to beginning collectors and people who just like to look at good pictures of lamps. For the more serious collector, you might want to wait until Nadja Maril or another author publishes a new and improved version.
Very informative.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
What a great book. Full of history, photos, examples, tips for the search of these lamps as well as proper care and restoration. I can't wait until the author writes another one! I highly recommend it to anyone.
The Best Book on the Subject
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
If you need accurate and practial information about old lamps and light fixtures, this is the best book on the market. I refer to it all the time! The pictures are of excellent quality and the writing is clear and concise.
A "Must Own" For Your Library
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
If you are looking for a book which has both an overview of different kinds of late 19th century and early 20th century American lighting and some practical advice on both buying and restoration; this is the book for you. It doesn't have everything; but a lot of good information, beautiful pictures and a price guide are included in its 142 pages. I like the way she has both original catalogue pictures and photographs. It's the best single book on the subject I've been able to find!
Just the Book I have been looking for
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
As a professional Restorer of Antique Lighting Nadja's book is an astounding and invaluable resourse ,not only for identifying and pricing , but the tips on restoration have been a help as well.When one has a very strong interest { as I have} in antiques it is very exciting to find a resource like Nadja's books. Martin Dillon "Past Illuminations"
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