Value of these lamps?
Hello, I have two large cherub table lamps. From the 50s I believe as my grandmother had a gift shop, although possibly the 60s. The shades are old and need to be replaced. The lamps work and are in decent condition with a few snafus.
Unfortunately our handyman replaced the cord a few years ago. He put a black cord in. At the time there was so much going on I didn't follow up with it. However, in going to sell them, I'm noticing that it appears the lamp hardware was also changed, making one lamp shorter than the other. I texted him to ask if he had the old hardware but it's unlikely. He says he doesn't recall changing the hardware so maybe it was already that way, although the cord he changed out was the original cord. At any rate, it's long gone.
I don't see them anywhere, so what is the value of these lamps, and how much would the aforementioned diminish the value?
Also, I've never shipped anything large, how does that work? These are tall table lamps. about 34 inches to the top of the hardware, taller with the shades. They are not super heavy.
Thank you
cambriachick
·1 year agoWell, they're certainly worth listing. Look at completed sales. Be sure you show them lit up in at least one of your pictures, but mention, the light bulbs are not included (they'll just break in shipping). I would ditch the shades, they are in terrible condition and it will make shipping easier.
flipsterista
OP1 year agoDid anyone check out that link to see what she did with the lamp? I'm not into goth but thought what she did was so cool!
roccotacodad54
·1 year agoAfter your reply I checked out that link. Ditto on not being into goth but yea way cool.
flipsterista
OP1 year agoIt was so clever! Checked out her work on other things and again, not my style but she does some super-creative upgrades on thrift store items.
I wonder if there's a way I could upcycle these lamps to make them worth more. Not that specifically but... something?
kathiec
·1 year agoAbsolutely. Face it, they are woefully out of style for almost everyone -- yes, even for those of us old folks who still have houses full of antiques.
Maybe think of it this way: My guest bathroom is decorated in flamingo theme. My goal is to be right on that line that separates kitsch from tacky. That's a popular concept right now. So you could go that direction. Another style popular now is shabby chic. You could easily redo these in that mode. Google shabby chic for ideas. And come back and post pictures when you're done!
roccotacodad54
·1 year agoSome people in a nearby town did the lawn flamingo thing on their front lawn in a way that looks very cool. Flamingos' in different poses and in a couple of spots. Maybe 10 or 11 or so in each flock.
The flamingos' aren't evenly spaced in the flocks and the way the flocks are positioned they help focus the eye on other landscape features. I suspect an artist is a resident there.
flipsterista
OP1 year agoI'm in FL, we are all about flamingos!
flipsterista
OP1 year agoHmmm, interesting. I will have to think on that. There's probably a way. Intriguing.
tobaccocardyahoo
·1 year agoI would not label these lamps as Mid-Century Modern, should you offer them. They are mid-century but not modern. Most of the impressions will be from people who will not view them.
If someone is actually looking for these, they might search for 1950s Cherub Lamps or Cherub Lamps/
There is probably someone who will care, and might even be someone willing to pay the high cost of shipping. If you wait long enough.
I would trash the shades. The shades are probably not worth the cost of shipping them, and even less the cost of shipping them and the cost of restoration. There are in production shades with a similar look.
I cannot tell from your photos why one lamp is short. Is it just the size of the harp? If so, I would replace the harp. Good chance of finding one or two harps at a thrift shop, or a yard sale. Might come with lamps for little money.
kathiec
·1 year ago@flipsterista
MCM refers to the design style Mid Century Modern. It was a very minimalistic style, using primarily curved lines and geometric shapes. MCM decor items often employ futuristic, space-themed ideas. Keep in mind, this was happening at the beginning of the space race. Google 'MCM lamps' and look at the images.
These lamps are the antithesis of MCM. That's not to say they aren't lovely lamps. They're just not in style right now. I have a houseful of gorgeous Victorian furniture that I'd be lucky to give away right now. Dark wood antiques are no longer in style. Neither are cherub table lamps.
I don't know that I'd spend much redoing them. On a very good day with a motivated buyer you might get $100 for the pair. On an average day make that $50 for the pair. They aren't going to be an easy sale, and you may have better luck selling them locally. Shipping for lamps that size will likely be more than the sale price.
flipsterista
OP1 year agoThanks so much. I'm disappointed but at least know how to proceed.
Hopefully there is a very motivated Catholic out there who is looking for some cherubs!
flipsterista
OP1 year agoOr there is always this. 😉
https://www.tiktok.com/@paintedblackdecor/video/7059241946849578287
roccotacodad54
·1 year ago"I have a houseful of gorgeous Victorian furniture that I'd be lucky to give away right now."
Lucky you in my humble opinion.
Also they could be of significant value to someone that appreciates them. I agree though that not many appreciate Victorian items as I do.........................
tobaccocardyahoo
·1 year agoMy friends who sell antique furniture say what is currently in style is cheap Ikea furniture. Most of that does not last long enough to be sold as used.
flipsterista
OP1 year agoThank you both. I didn't realize anyone had replied!
Honestly I think the cherub style lamps are dreadful. But they are a piece of my childhood and I would want someone somewhere to value them.
Would replacing the lamp kit to a lighter cord , and changing the fixture that holds the bulb to make it taller so that they match, make a difference?
What would these even be worth? I always thought they would be valuable.
debora(34)
·1 year agoI strongly suggest you don't replace the lamp shades. They are integral to the design integrity of the lamp. If their condition is poor, they can always be professionally recovered.
kathiec
·1 year ago@flipsterista
I don't think you're going to find that these are valuable enough to go through the hassle of shipping them. Even without the issue of them no longer being a matching pair and needing the shades replaced, the truly valuable mid-century lamps are those with true MCM styling. IMO, you're going to be better served selling these locally through someplace like Craigslist or FB Marketplace.
flipsterista
OP1 year ago"truly valuable mid-century lamps are those with true MCM styling". What exactly would these look like? In case I run across some?