Even though many don’t know its name. Most people recognize this stylish desk lamp. The green banker’s desk lamp has fascinated people ever since its introduction in the early 20th century.

Originally created as the Emeralite, the lamp eventually became known as the banker’s lamp due to its popularity in the banking industry. They have a design featuring a green glass lampshade, typically fitted to a brass base. However, you can find them in all sorts of colors and variations.

Want to know more about its history? Why is it called the banker’s lamp? The types of variations? Or where you can get your own? Keep reading as I try to answer all the questions you could possibly have about the banker’s lamp.

History

The green bankers desk lamps story goes back to 1909. At this time American engineer Harrison D. McFaddin filed a patent application for “a new, original and ornamental design for lamp shades”. Later the same year, the first lamp rolled out of production.

The simple, yet neat green-shaded lamp was given the name Emeralite, a combination of emerald and light due to the deep emerald green color of the shade.

The lamp gradually increased in popularity. Particularly among those in detailed oriented occupations. These included  accounting, banking and law. A big reason for this was that that green was (and still is), thought to be psychologically soothing, enhancing concentration and focus.

This led to the lamp becoming a prominent feature in banks, courtrooms and libraries. Most likely, its popularity among bankers have led to it being known as the bankers lamp today.

Following the outbreak of WW2 in 1939, things went downhill for the company. The company replaced the green glass shade with metal shades. Around the same time, the company changed hands as its founder H.D. McFaddin chose to retire.

In the early 60s, the company turned unprofitable. The company changed hands again as the new owner died, but it never recovered. After a little more than 50 years, the remainder of the company behind the iconic lamp was legally dissolved in 1962.

You can read more about the history of the green banker’s desk lamp/Emeralite. Just follow this link to my detailed article which takes you through its entire history by clicking this link.

The lamp today

Although the original company is long gone, the lamp design and its legacy still live on. The lamp is arguably one of the most recognizable desk lamps in the world. This is largely due to its frequent appearance in movies and TV-shows.

One of the best appearance of the green banker’s lamp on screen is in the 90s crime thriller “seven”.You can check out the scene below. You can also read more about its presence in show business in this article. Here you can also check out the comprehensive list of movies and TV shows where the banker’s lamp makes an appearance.

Many of the original Emeralites have been lost over time. Those that remain are now sought after antiques. Depending on the model and condition, these antique lamps can sell for anywhere between 200-1200 USD to the right buyer.

The prewar models with the characteristic green glass shades are by far the most popular. This is the design that most present day replicas are based on as well. These retail for far less than its original counterparts and can be found in lamp stores and online around the globe

Personally, I own both a modern day replica green bankers desk lamp and an antique Emeralite. Both are relatively easy to get a hold of. Continue to read below where I cover the basics about both antique bankers lamps and replicas and share my experiences.

Antique bankers lamp/Emeralite

The prewar models with green shades are the most popular ones. If you are interested in getting your hands on one, you have to know where to look and what to look for.

Original Emeralites are gathered by antique stores. They know their value and can sell them for a nice profit. Because the Emeralite was produced in the United States, that is where you are most likely to encounter one.

While some auctioneers have taken to the internet, I’m not familiar with any. An auction site I am familiar with though is Ebay. Ebay tends to have a handful of people selling original Emeralites which you can check out.

If buying online, make sure to consider their condition. Many of the Emeralites on eBay are missing parts, and can be in a pretty rough condition. In addition you want to make sure that the lamp you want is the real deal.

Follow this link to check out my in-depth article about antique bankers lamps/Emeralites. Here I show you different parts that are often missing. I also go through a few exampless of lamps that are in a rough shape. In addition, I show you the signatures and characteristics of original lamps to prevent you from getting fooled.

Modern day replicas

If you don’t want to pay up for an original Emeralite, there are plenty of modern-day replicas available. The green shade replica is the most common, which you can find in most lamp shops worldwide.

There is a much larger selection online. Here you can get bankers lamps in all sorts of colors and varieties. To make the job easier for you, I have spent hours picking out the best models available on amazon. Click this link to check it out.

Not all bankers lamps follow the traditional design. Some manufacturers have takes the bankers lamp into the new century. Follow this link to check out my article and reviews on the best modern style bankers lamps.

Others have chosen to combine two of the most classic lamp designs in history. We are of course talking about the Tiffany and the banker’s lamp. These Tiffany style bankers lamps are great, colorful alternatives. Follow this link to head over to my overview and review of the best tiffany style bankers lamps available for your buck.

Closing thoughts

As mentioned, I have both an original Emeralite and a modern day replica. I’m really happy with both, but having an Emeralite is the most rewarding. A big reason for this is that I got it relatively cheap and spent several hours getting it back to a nice condition.

When I got the lamp, it was in a pretty rough condition. It was covered in old, hardened dirt/dust and the shade was missing a piece. Follow this link to check out my article about restoring my old Emeralite/Banker’s lamp.

hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any unanswered questions, comments, or other inquiries, please leave a comment in the comment section below.

The post What is that green desk lamp called? appeared first on The Bankers Lamp.

The lamps Origin

Although best known as the bankers lamp today, it was originally called the Emeralite, a combination of emerald and light.

The lamp’s story actually goes back as far as 1909, when American engineer Harrison D. McFaddin filed a patent application for “a new, original and ornamental design for lamp shades”. After he got the patent approved, the lamp quickly went into production with the first lamp being produced later the same year by the H. G McFaddin & Co.

The first design of the emeralite was actually quite simple. It had a brass-based or brass-plated base, holding a green over white cased glass shade. Even though the shade was available in other available colors, it was the green glass shade that became the most popular, and eventually became the signature that made the lamp so distinguishable with its emerald green color.

The neat, green glass shades were made using the cased glass technique, which is when you create a single glass piece by fusing two or more glass layers with different colors. The Emeralite only had two layers where the inner layer was white opal glass, and the outer layer was the colored/green.

Although the company of founder McFaddin was American and operated in America, they chose to produce all the glass shades at one factory, the J. Schreiber & Neffen glass factory, located in the city of Rapotin, Moravia, in present-day Czech Republic.

I could not find out the reason for this, but perhaps it was because of their skill, given that the cased glass technique requires some neat handiwork and skill.

No matter the reason, the agreement between the two companies stated that J. Schreiber & Neffen could only produce the glass shades for the H. G McFaddin & Co. which, in turn, were required to purchase a minimum volume of shades each year. The shades were then shipped to the US where they would be attached to their brass base.

At the Peak of Success

After starting production, the first production series had, as mentioned, a relatively simple design, but in the following production series, the brass base design changed, becoming more decorative for the second and third production series.

In addition, the attachment of the green glass shade changed. On the early models, it was attached through holes on each side of the shade. Later, the holes were replaced with clamps that held the shade in place at indentations in the glass.

The first 3 production series took place before the second world war, during which the lamp was most successful. The lamp’s design was appreciated as it combined an elegant design with functionality.

One feature that was much appreciated was the design of the glass shade, which was slightly flattened on the back and sides but sloped gently towards the user in the front, which provided focused lighting for the user.

Although the desk lamp became very popular, the company also produced other types of lamps with the emeralite style, such as bedside lamps and floor lamps. In addition, the desk lamps were given various features, such as removable inkwells, pen holders, clocks, and calendars, some of which are found on the antique, original emeralites sold today.

Why the Bankers Lamp?

The reason behind this is likely due to the fact that the Emeralite was embraced by financial institutions which ordered the lamps in huge numbers. One of the main reasons is that green was and still is, thought to be psychologically soothing, enhancing concentration and focus.

This belief was prominent in detailed-oriented occupations such as accounting, auditing, and budgeting, all of which are banking activities. Actually, this is the same reason why bankers and accountants often wore those green eyeshades/visors back in the days.

The emeralite capitalized on this, as the shade prevented intense light from being cast towards the user, but gave off a pleasant green light. By adding in some effective marketing, the emeralite became more than just a lamp, it became an elegant and stylish tool, thought to improve worker efficiency by lessening eyestrain and promoting concentration and focus.

One also has to take into account that the emeralite became a symbol of elegance in the prewar period. A time in which not all American or European homes had electricity. All these factors made the emeralite a prominent feature in financial institutions, which eventually led to it being known as the bankers lamp.

Although popular in financial institutions, they were far from the only ones to embrace this green lamp. Due to the belief in its psychological, beneficial effects and the elegant look, the lamp became a prominent feature in libraries, law offices, and the desk of any academic.

Post WW2 and the company’s demise

Following the outbreak of WW2 in 1939, things went downhill for the company, as the conflict made it impossible to attain the glass shades from Europe.

This led to the company moving away from the green glass shade, producing lamps with metal shades. Around the same time, The company was purchased by one of its employers, Charles Inness- Brown, as H.D. McFaddin chose to retire.

Inness- Brown actually changed the name of the company from H. G McFaddin & Co. to The Emeralite Co. and in addition to moving away from the glass shade, the lamp’s design was made more modern, marking the end of the lamps glory days.

Moving on to the late 1950s, Emeralite inc started to become unprofitable, and when owner Iness-Brown died in 1960, the company was sold and renamed again, becoming Tilarem inc. (Tilarem is emeralite backward without the first and last e’s).

Although having a new owner and name, the company never rebounded, and Tilarem inc. Was legally dissolved in 1962, ending the story of the company behind the iconic lamp.

The lamp today

Although the original company is long gone, the lamp design and its legacy still live on. For me, the lamp is arguably one of the most recognizable desk lamps in the world, largely due to its frequent appearance in movies and TV-shows.

Because of this, new lamps replicating the designs of the emeralite are produced all over the world and continue to decorate desks, offices, and libraries around the globe. Best yet, it means that you and I are able to buy one of our own!

The handful of remaining original emeralites have become highly valued, collectible antiques. Depending on the model and condition, these antique lamps can sell for anywhere between 500-1200 USD to the right buyer.

The prewar models with the characteristic green glass shades are by far the most popular and are sought after by eager collectors. Although getting one of these might be the pinnacle of owning a bankers lamp, you might just want to settle for a replica for starters.

Whether you own an original emeralite or a new model, you are sure to have a desk lamp that will continue to be fashionable for many years to come. I recommend you take a look at my guide where I talk about the best bankers lamp models or modern versions.

The post The Fascinating History of the original Bankers Lamp appeared first on The Bankers Lamp.

Like me, you want the best option for the lowest price. This can be easier said than done, especially when shopping online. Going through your possibilities is time-consuming and boring. In addition, you might not be sure what to look out for. This is also true when getting bankers lamp.

There are many bad cheap options out there. And while anyone understands ratings, there are certain other criteria you should pay attention to. This includes height, the color of the shade, the weight among others. To help you out I have spent time researching the top-rated, bankers lamps so you can get the best ones available.

My top pick for the best bankers lamp is the luxury green banker’s lamp from Illuminazionedepoca.com. It has all the features you want in a banker’s lamp and undisputed quality, typical of Italian craft products. You can follow this link to head over to their site to see more pictures and get its current price.

The lamp faced some stiff competition. Continue reading to see the reviews of the individual candidates as I can help you find the right choice for your wallet and needs.

Illuminazione d’Epoca Luxury Italian Bankers Lamp

This bankers lamp is named Raffaello, in honor of Raffaello Sanzio, one of the most famous Italian painters and architects of the Renaissance. Considered one of the greatest artists of all time and among the greatest interpreters of the aesthetic concept of “Beauty”.

This lamp is the epitome of luxury and attention to detail, made by expert craftsmen in Italy. The solid brass construction is treated with an anti-oxidation treatment to ensure longevity, and the lamp is crafted with the finest materials available.

What sets Raffaello apart from other banker lamps on the market is the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each and every piece. From the carefully selected materials to the handcrafted construction, this lamp is truly a work of art.

Reading the dozens of customer reviews, I realized that this company also offers top-notch customer service. In the unlikely event that the lampshade arrives broken, contacting the seller will result in an immediate replacement. Additionally, the lamp comes with a generous 2-year guarantee to ensure complete customer satisfaction. Illuminazione d’Epoca is committed to providing the best possible shopping experience for their customers, and their excellent customer service is a testament to that.

It also comes with free insured shipping worldwide, a 14-day free return shipping policy, and a plug adapter for use in multiple countries. All of these features make Raffaello the clear choice for anyone in search of a top-quality banker lamp.

It is available in 2 finishes: polished brass or burnished brass. Take a look at the photos and information on their site Other models of luxury bankers lamps are available.

Newrays traditional Bankers Lamp

Among the many bankers lamps available, many follow the same standard design. Among them, I have found the best option available to be the traditional banker’s lamp from Newrays. The contruction is quite solid, being made from metal and glass. In terms of size, it has the appropriate size (approx 14.57 Inch x 11.02 Inch / 37 cm x 28 cm) and enough weight (5.5 pounds – 2,5 kg) to make it a sturdy desk lamp.

The Newrays Green Bankers Lamp is a classic and stylish addition to any home or office. The green shade is complemented by a solid brass base, giving it a vintage feel that is sure to impress. The adjustable arm allows you to easily direct the light where you need it most, making it a practical choice for any workspace.

The lamp also features an on/off switch on the cord for easy use. While the lamp may be on the smaller side, it still provides ample light for reading and working. Overall, the Newrays Green Bankers Lamp is a charming and functional piece that is sure to enhance any room it is placed in.

It does not come with the light bulb included but meets all the criteria I consider important for a bankers lamp (found further down). For these reasons, this lamp comes out on top in this review.

You don’t have to take my word for it. You can check it yourself by clicking this link or the button below to head over to Amazon. There you will get to see more pictures, reviews from hundreds of satisfied customers, and its current price.

Oitto Vintage Banker Lamp

Another strong contender is the traditional Bankers lamp from Oitto. While relatively similar to Illuminazione d’Epoca bankers lamp, this design features a decorative base with vintage brass finish.

In terms of height it is relatively standard: width: 23 cm (9 inches), height: 37 cm (14.6 inches), base diameter: 17 cm (6.7 inches).

Like Illuminazione d’Epoca, OITTO offers great customer service and return policies which are great for online shopping. If you received the lampshade broken you simply contact the seller to get a replacement immediately. Also, the lamp has a generous 1-year guarantee to ensure your satisfaction.

This lamp is on the pricier end but is well worth the price due to its solid construction and guarantee. To check it out yourself, as well as read tons of comments from satisfied customers, follow this link to head over to amazon.

RHlamps Tiffany Banker Lamp

Next to get a spot on this list is this tyiffany-style model from RHlamps. Its decorative shade makes it stand out, while at the same time remaining relatively versatile to go along with virtually any decor.

Lamp Size: 10.6 inches (26.92 cm) in width x 7.4 inches (18.8 cm) in depth x 15.7 inches (39.88 cm) in height, making it a decent tall, sturdy lamp. Weighs in at 5.7 pounds (2,6 kg). The price is average and the quality of the product is good. It doesn’t have many reviews but all the customers are quite satisfied.

The lampshade is meticulously crafted by hand, using high-quality stained glass that is delicately assembled with copper foil and tin wire welding. The lamp is mounted on a resin base that is painted in a rich bronze finish. The lamp is UL certified and comes with an 82-inch wire length and a convenient pull chain switch.

For a slightly more decorative option, this lamp in colored pattern from RHlamps might be just what you are looking for. Click the link above of the button below to head over to Amazon. Here you can read through its reviews and see that nearly every review comments on how beautiful it looks and that it made a lovely addition to their home.

Newrays White Matted Glass Bankers Desk Lamp

Here is another great pick. For some reason, this lamp has flown under the radar compared to its peers. I cant see the reason why as this lamp offers great quality for your buck.

The solid, yet graceful metal base gives it the necessary weight which prevents it from easily tipping over. It is topped with a neat amber glass shade for a more neutral look. It comes with a 1-year limited warranty, which offers some extra security.

This lamp is definitely worth your consideration. You can see if it is available to you by clicking this link or the button below to head over to Amazon. Here you can also check out more pictures, customer reviews and get its current price.

V-Light Bankers Desk Lamp

The banker’s lamp(s) from V-Light offers a great combination of price and value. V-Light offers several bankers lamp designs. These include one with a taller, square base, an amber shade option, and one with a white glass shade.

The designs with the green shades are the most popular. These are both tall but carries enough weight, preventing them from being easily tipped over. Another positive is that both models are delivered with a 13W CFL light bulb included.

V-LIGHT also offers a warranty on their lamps, but it is limited and is only valid for 90 days. This prevents V-Light from gaining more favor in this review, as a good warranty is worth more than a light bulb which you can get for a little more than a dollar.

Nevertheless, The lamps from V-Light meets all the important criteria for a good bankers lamp. In addition. it offers a design that differs from its competitors. You can check it out for yourself by clicking this link or the button below to head over to Amazon. There you can check out all the different designs and their current pricing.

Alera traditional Bankers Lamp

This bankers lamp from Alera separates itself with its unique design. It has a tall, metal base with an antique bronze finish holding a neat amber, glass shade. The tall metal base gives it a solid weight and makes the construction solid and don’t feel cheap.

Unfortunately the same cant be said of the amber glass shade. The frosted amber coating is very translucent, and fails to direct the light with the position of the shade.

And with the light bulb that is included, it is not centered in the shade which makes it look assymetrical and weird. That being said, you can solve these issues by using a lower wattage bulb that fits in the center of the shade.

Overall, it is not a bad lamp, but its flaws prevent it from ranking higher. The design is very nice and is worth a look before you rule it out. You can check it out by clicking this link to head over to Amazon. Here you check out numerous pictures and customer reviews, as well as see its current pricing.

Catalina Traditional Bankers Lamp

The design of Catalina lamp is reminiscent of a vintage banker’s lamp, complete with an attached on/off pull chain under the shade. The lamp has a brass-plated finish and an adjustable frosted-glass green shade that diffuses the light effectively.

This lamp is compatible with A19/E26 60-watt lightbulbs or the LED equivalent (not included), providing efficient lighting options. Additionally, this lamp can be connected to smart home devices like Alexa or Google Home, as it is powered by a 60″ long cord and is smart home compatible (smart outlet or switch sold separately).

The lamp is desk-sized, measuring 10.28″ x 10.54″ x 13.5″ (26.2 cm x 26.8 cm x 34.3 cm) and weighs 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg). It also includes an integrated LED light and can be easily assembled without any hassle.

Overall, this elegant Banker’s Lamp is an excellent choice for those who want a classic and functional desk lamp with smart home compatibility options.

The price is quite low so don’t expect to receive a high quality product. This is a lamp that is a good compromise for those who want to have an all in all nice item while spending little.

You can find it available here on Amazon, where you can see the current price and much more.

Ranking factors

Materials

One of the most important factors is that the lamp that is made with solid materials. In the case of a bankers lamp, that means that the base is made of a solid metal and the shade is made of glass. You might stumble upon a lamp that looks really good, but if the shade is made out of plastic, you should avoid it, it just looks and feels cheap.

Aesthetics

A very important factor to consider is the lamps’ aesthetics. This one is rather subjective and depends on what you look for and like. however, I will share my aesthetic considerations.

First of all, I want my lamp to have a pull-chain switch, it just looks a lot cooler and gives it a more retro feel compared to having the switch at the cord.

Height

You should make sure that the lamp is tall enough to fit your use. If you intend to use your banker’s lamp as a desk lamp, it should measure at least 12 inches tall (30 cm). This ensures that it will illuminate your workspace properly.

I stumbled upon a cheap bankers lamp on amazon that had gotten several bad reviews, most of which were from people who looked at the attractive price, only to find out the lamp was a lot smaller than what they expected.

Weight

One should also make sure that the lamp base has some weight to it. This will make your lamp more sturdy, decreasing the risk of it tipping over if you bump into it, which can break the glass shade. You want to make sure your lamp weighs at least 3 pounds (1,36 kg), as it gives it enough weight without being too heavy.

This information is generally found in the product description and specifications. Here you can also find other useful information such as if the lamp battery powered or corded (yes there are some battery lamps out there). What type of light bulb it uses and whether the light bulb is included or not. For the lamps in this review, all fo this information if found in the table above.

Color of the shade and base

Another thing I consider is the color of the shade. Concerning those with green shades, I don’t like if the shade is too bright green (like a shamrock green). It just makes it look more childish. Finally, I also consider the color finish of the base, as I don’t want one that is too garish.

Which aesthetic traits you want in your banker’s lamp is up to you, but make sure you consider it so that you get a lamp you like.

What to keep in mind if you choose a low-priced lamp

First of all, when getting a budget bankers lamp, don’t expect to receive a handmade, state-of-the-art lamp. Most of these lamps are mass produced and can have some imperfections. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t get a good quality lamp for your money.

To get a closer look at a bankers lamp in this price range, you can check out the video below where I unbox a typical green bankers lamp in the same price range. Although it is not identical to the ones above, it gives a good impression on what to expect.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are some options for solid bankers lamps, even on a budget. While some of these lamps won’t be of the very best quality, there are several good options.

There is one final thing you be aware of if you order your bankers lamp online. There is a slight risk of the glass shade breaking during shipping and handling. However, When buying from Amazon this shouldn’t be too much of a worry as you are given customer-friendly terms and can get a new one free of charge, or choose to have a full refund.

I hope this helped you in your quest for getting a bankers lamp. If you have any questions or other inquiries, leave a comment in the comment section below.

The post 8 Best Bankers Lamps (2024 Review) appeared first on The Bankers Lamp.

The different production series and their cost

The first Emeralite was produced in 1909 after being invented by American engineer Harrison D. McFaddin. Until the second world war, these lamps featured the characteristic emerald green glass shade. This is actually why the lamp is called the Emeralite, which is a combination of the words emerald and light.

Although the company continued to produce lamps after the second world war, they moved away from the green glass shade. Today, the prewar period lamps with the green glass shades are the most popular.

If you want to read more about the history of the lamp and the company behind it you can check out the article I wrote about it.

The prewar lamps belong to 1 of 3 production series, with each series being produced in different time periods. In addition, each production series have different models.

1st production series: 4873

The 4873 production series was the first, which lasted from 1909 to 1916. The most characteristic feature of the lamps from this production series is the way the shade is attached to the base through holes in the side of the shade.

To get a graphic illustration you can click this link to open a tab to emeralite.com which feature a copy of the original production series catalog. The most common models from this production series sold today tend to be G or AC models, and sometimes one of the double shade C, F or SC models.

These models from the 4873 are rare and therefore tend to be more expensive. Prices can range from $400-700, but will obviously depend on the type of model and its general condition. As a general rule you tend to have to pay more for the dual shade models, and models which have additional features, such as inkwells on the base.

2nd production series: 8734, most common Emeralites

The most common Emeralites you can get your hand on today belong to the 8734 series. This was the second production series which lasted between 1916 up until the early 1930s. In this production series, the attachment of the shade was changed. The bottom of the shades became indented on the sides and back which made them fit into a channel on the armature of the base.

Like its preceding production series, there were many different models. Click this link to open a tab to emeralite.com where you can check out a copy of the production series catalog.

The most common models found for sale today are the K, B, AC and G models. Occasionally you might come across some of the twin models like the C and F models, the latter being equipped with inkwells and pen holders.

Models from the 8734 production series are the most common, however, some models rarer than others. The most common mode from this production series is model B. Although this model was produced since 1916, a lot of these lamps are from the late 1920s or early 1930s, when it was given an updated design on the base.

You should not pay more than around $450 for a B model Emeralite in a good condition from this production series. Other models can sell for anywhere between 400-1200$. These includes the dual shade models or models additional features like the inkwells of pen holders.

3rd and last production series: No. 9

The 3rd and last production series of the pre-WW2 Emeralites were known as the No. 9 series. This was the shortest production series which started in the early 1930s but lasted no longer than 5 years.

Characteristic for these lamps are that the attachment of the glass shade was changed, in addition, the shade was made larger, requiring these lamps to have 2 light bulbs even for a single shade lamp.

Because this production series was rather short compared to the preceding 2, Emeralites of this production series are very rare and can cost anywhere between 1000-3000$.

How to get an Original Emeralite Lamp

Original lamps in good condition are few and far between. This makes them sought after antiques, selling for anywhere between 300-1200$. If you are interested in getting your hands on one, you have to know where to look.

You are most likely to find an original Emeralite in an antique store, or on auction stores online, like these listings on eBay. Alternatively, you can contact a collector which might be willing to sell you one.

Before paying several hundred dollars you want to make sure the lamp is the real deal. The easiest way is to look for characteristic signatures that can be found on both the base and the shade. You should also carefully asses the condition of the lamp. Many lamps are in a pretty rough condition which warrants significant discounts.

Where to find them

Antique stores and auctioneers

Like many other collectible antiques, original Emeralites are gathered by antique stores which know their value and can sell them for a nice profit. Because the Emeralite was produced in the United States this is where you are most likely to encounter one.

Some auctioneers have taken to the internet, hosting internet auctions, which might feature bankers lamps. I’m not familiar with any, and therefore are in no position to recommend one, however it might be worth to search through the web.

Online

One website I’m more familiar with, which also happens to have auctions, is eBay. eBay has become a global online retailer and auctioneer. Here vendors and private individuals sell their products at fixed prices or at auctions. It just so happens that private individuals often sell vintage Emeralites here.

Although you find some in prime condition, a lot of them sell without the glass shade, and some are in pretty rough condition. This often justifies significant discounts compared to the asking price (continue down the article).

If you are prepared to pay up, you might be able to get your hands on an original Emeralite in good condition. On the other hand, if you decide to get one that needs some restoration, you are going to be in for a bit of polishing. To see what is currently available, click this link to head over eBay.

If you decide to get one without the shade, you should keep in mind that finding a decent replacement shade is no easy task. You can read more about it in my article about replacement shades.

How to make sure it’s the real deal

Like many other antiques, vintage Emeralite lamps sell for a decent price, especially if it’s in good condition. Because of this, you want to make sure that you are getting the real deal.

Fortunately, H.G Mcfaddin & Co made sure to make it clear that the lamp was produced by them as you can find various signatures with their logo on both the shade and base.

Base signature

To start with, every original Emeralite from the 8734 production series onwards, should have a metal plate on the base which bears the Emeralite logo as well as the production series number.

The metal plate signature is generally located on the upper part of the base, near the shade. If the lamp you’re looking at looks like its over 80+ years old and has this plate and its base, you can feel pretty comfortable with it being the real deal.

Shade signatures

Original glass shades also have signatures, either in the form of decals/stickers or ink stamps.

The decals are usually found on the back of the lamps shade and have a beige/yellow color and a red circle, in which the Emeralite logo is written in bold green letters. In addition to the logo, you should find the production series number, as well as a made in USA/Czechoslovakia (the shades were made in former Czechoslovakia).

The slight majority of lamps sold today still have the sticker, but some dont. It might have been peeled off by their original owners, or been worn off over time. Because of this, a shade without the decal does not necessarily mean it’s not the real deal.

If the decal is missing, you might want to look for an ink stamp. These might also be found on the lampshade, either on the outside (towards the back), or on the inside of the shade. The ink stamp usually includes the Emeralite name and with or without “trademark”, production series number and/or country in which it was made (USA/Czechoslovakia).

A great resource to look up these signatures is emeralite.com which features a great collection of pictures of the various signatures. Follow this link to open the page in a new tab.

Condition

The price you should pay for an antique Emeralite will depend on the overall condition. This might be a bit challenging to determine, especially if you are purchasing one online. However, I went through the same thing when I purchased my and restored my Emeralite (read about it here). Here are a few tips to help you with your potential purchase.

Base

Most Emeralite models have a brass finish, but it is not uncommon for many of the lamps sold on online to look rather black or brown. They have probably collected tons of dust and dirt through the years while stuffed away without being given much care.

In addition to dirt, some lamps might even have signs of the brass base being subject to corrosion. This takes some work to remove and polish. I had to use a delicate metal brush to completely clean some parts of my Emeralite. Therefore, a seller should we willing to give you a small discount if corrosion is present on a lamp you are interested in.

My advice would be to contact the seller and argue for a discount. How much? It depends on how flexible the seller is, but I would call it fair with a $50 discount, given that the lamp is otherwise in a good condition.

Wiring and wall plug

Other lamps might still have the original wiring and/or wall plug, which is often in pretty rough condition. They might also not be suitable for today’s wall sockets making them a house hazard that needs to be replaced. Rewiring an Emeralite takes a little work and should, therefore, qualify for a discount.

The same goes if you see the need for replacing the wall plug, however, replacing it is not as big of a hassle and doesn’t make for the best argument when asking for a significant discount.

Missing parts

Some lamps might have parts missing or visible damage that should affect the buying/selling price, sometimes quite significantly.

Two parts that are commonly missing is the bulb socket and its outer shell (the part where the light bulb is screwed on), and the glass shade holder pins. The pins are the thin metal/brass rods that are attached to the base, and when extended support the front edge of the glass shade.

If any of these, or any other original parts are missing, you should ask the seller for a discount. The more parts are missing, the bigger the discount ought to be.

Structural damage

Sadly, some lamps have structural damage that should significantly affect its selling price. A common site is the metal part located at the transition between the flat part of the base and the pole which holds the attachment of the shade on the B models of the 2nd production series.

When I bought my Emeralite of this model, this metal piece was broken. I contacted the seller arguing for a discount from the listing price, which I was granted without any further argumentation. Therefore, always make sure to ask if you spot any damage.

One of the most common things to be broken on Emeralites are the glass shades. This one justifies a significant discount, given that original glass shades sell for over $200. I would argue that this justifies a discount of over $200, and if the seller does not agree, you are better off finding another one.

Bottom line

Some might argue that an Emeralite in rough condition with missing parts is more or less worthless. I would say they still hold some value which can be unlocked by restoring it.

As mentioned, I bought an 8734 series model B Emeralite which needed some restoration. From the pictures I could see that it has some structural damage, a broken glass shade. In addition, the original pull chain switch was missing, and I had to replace the wall plug.

When I contacted the seller, I argued for a significant discount based on what I saw on the pictures. Among other things, I mentioned the price of a new original shade and made an offer for 50$. To my delight, the seller accepted and I got the lamp, including the 2 pieces of the shade that had broken off, so that I could fix it up.

How to proceed

You are most likely to find a potential Emeralite on eBay unless you take the time to go antique hunting. eBay tends to have a handful of lamps, but many are in a rough condition, and some are obvious fakes. You can click this link to head over to eBay to see what is currently available.

Signatures

In general, If you find a lamp that has all three signatures, you can feel pretty comfortable that its real. But what if it is missing some, which one is the most important?

I would say the most important is the metal plate on the base, followed by the decal/sticker on the shade. If the metal plate is present, you can be sure the base is original and not a more recent replica that just looks old.

For the lampshade, the decal/sticker is the most common and therefore the most important signature. However, it is not uncommon that it might have been ripped off by previous owners or have been worn off with time.

Another potential giveaway for the lamp shade is the color. If the lamp shade has a brighter green color, I would be a bit skeptical. The original shades had a darker emerald green color. When lit it gives them a blue-ish hue to when turned off they look black-ish.

If You find a lamp you like, I would suggest asking the seller for pictures of these signatures before purchasing. This way you can avoid being ripped off by buying a replica for hundreds of dollars.

Condition

Regarding the condition of the lamp, make sure to go through the pictures in detail. Preferably, the pictures are large enough so that you can get a good look on the overall condition. This can enable you spot potential damages and/or missing pieces that justifies asking for a discount on the listed price.

If you spot defects or missing parts, don’t be afraid to argue for a fair discount. Just present your case politely, and most sellers simply accept, decline or counter your offer, no big deal.

Final words

I hope you found this guide useful in your hunt for an original Emeralite. Most of the information in this article is based on my experience buying one on eBay which I spent some time repairing with a surprisingly good end result.

If you ended up getting one, please be sure to share your experience in the comment section below. If you are still looking and have unanswered questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

The post Original Antique Emeralite Bankers Lamp: how to find the real deals appeared first on The Bankers Lamp.

Buying the lamp

After losing out in a couple of auctions, I was almost ready to give it up for a while, but I decided to take a swing at one lamp, an Emeralite 8734 B model from the late 1920s, that had been listed a while without being sold.

From the pictures I could tell that the lamp was in pretty rough condition, in addition to the glass shade being broken, it had some structural damage at the base. Before making an offer, I contacted the seller, asking whether he had the pieces for the broken shade, which he had, and he informed me that it was 2 pieces that would make the shade complete.

Intrigued, I decided to make an offer of $50, which was way below the asking price, justifying the significant discount on the basis of the broken shade and base. To my delight, the offer was accepted, and I received the lamp some 2 weeks later.

What needed repair

As soon as I got the lamp, I got to work identifying everything that needed repair and restoration, which included the glass shade, the base, the socket and the cord.

The most striking flaw was the glass shade, but since I had the 2 missing pieces, I decided to try gluing them back on. I searched through the local hardware store and found a  softer, silicon type of glue that was applicable for glass.

The structural damage on the base was in one of the two metal pieces in the junction between the flat, weighted part of the base, and the pole which gives the lamp its height. In fact, a large part of the metal piece had broken off, which left the lamp crooked.

Because this metal piece was rather structurally complex, I quickly decided not to try to repair it, as it would have been way too much work. In addition to the structural damage, many areas of the lamp were pretty dirty, covering the original golden brass with a blackish layer of hardened dirt.

Because the dirt and rust had been on there for a while, simply washing it wouldn’t be enough, therefore, I got a can of metal cleaner and rust-remover, and a set of metal brushes, hoping it would do the trick.

Luckily, the bulb socket was original, however, the lamp was equipped with a turnable knob switch, and not the classic pull-chain switch, therefore I went online and ordered a replacement.

Finally, because the US wall plug would not work where I live, I had to change the wall plug, and possibly the whole cord. Luckily, the original cord was in good shape which meant I only had to replace the wall plug, which I could find in a local hardware store.

Dismantling the lamp

After carefully removing the shade I got to work dismantling the whole lamp, piece by piece. I started off removing the socket to check whether I would have to trim off some of the insulation and wiring to get new fresh ends, but they looked OK.

The outer shell of the socket was pretty dirty and in need of some cleaning, but worse was the cardboard insulation which separates the inner socket piece from the outer shell. It was almost like it had been burnt, in that it was almost completely black, like a piece of coal, and crumbled by even the lightest touch.

Because of this, I had to order an entirely new socket (which includes the cardboard insulation), as simply getting the inner socket piece with the pull-chain switch would leave me with that awful piece of burnt cardboard. I got a relatively cheap one off amazon which did the trick.

The rest was pretty straightforward, starting with the loosening of the nut underneath the base of the shade which allows you to remove the weighted part of the base. Followed by another nut fastened underneath the broken piece at the junction between the flat weighted base and the pole/neck.

Removing both these nuts allowed me to completely remove the part of the base that holds the shade, from the rest of the base, which revealed that the bolt is a long metal rod that extends through the whole lamp, and to which the parts of the base is attached.

After removing the old wall plug, I was able to thread the wire through all the parts, separating all the pieces.  It was at this point I recognized that they were all in need of some cleaning, as the core metal bolt was very rusty, including the nuts, but that would have to wait, as I decided to move on to gluing the shade back together.

Trying to glue the broken shade

As mentioned earlier, I got a type of softer silicon-type glue for trying to put the shade back together. Although there were some small glass pieces that were missing (too small to be able to glue back on anyway), I was confident that I would get a decent result.

First of all, I wanted to make sure that the shade was clean so that the glue could properly attach to the glass, making the reattachment solid. For this, I simply used a glass cleaner spray and a cloth I had at home.

I then prepared a surface of old newspapers to prevent any spilling of glue onto my desk and got to work. When applying the glue, I decided to apply it to the pieces, rather than the shade itself, as it was easier to access the edges with the tip of the glue container.

I applied a relatively generous amount, hoping that it would enable the glue to fill any small cracks or pockets that might be present along the break, before carefully fitting the piece onto the shade, pressing it on tightly for several minutes before releasing it (follow instructions for the glue you use).

Because the glue I was using would take several hours to properly harden, I left the shade overnight, before repeating the same process with the last piece the next day.

Because I had used a relatively generous amount of glue, there was some excess glue that had been squeezed out along the former cracks, which I carefully removed using a snap-off utility knife.

At the end of the day, the shade looked pretty decent, and to my pleasant surprise, the glue held firm even when I applied some gentle pressure to test whether it would hold or not.

Cleaning and polishing

As mentioned, there was a lot of old, hardened, dirt on various parts of the lamp, as well as decent amounts of rust on others. Although this part of the restoration proved to be the most boring and messy, it was also the most rewarding, as getting rid of all that dirty and rust revealed the shiny, clean surface underneath.

I started out cleaning the rust off the long, central bolt and the 2 nuts that attach to it. For this, I used a common rust remover spray and 2 metal brushes, one being a little harder than the other.

I knew this part was going to be messy, therefore, I covered my desk with several layers of old newspapers to avoid getting rusty grease all over my desk. I started off applying generous amounts of the rust remover, letting it sit for a couple of minutes, before starting to clean the rust off with the hardest metal brush, applying more rust remover along the way.

A small tip, do NOT wear white clothing while doing this, it will get messy. After working with the harder metal brush for a while, I changed to the softer one in order to get better access into the small creases between the threading of the bolt.

After completing the long bolt, I removed the rust from the nuts, as well as a couple of other minor parts, getting them all nice and shiny again.

Removing the rust from those part was less than half of the cleaning job, the majority was removing all the hardened dirt that had accumulated on the brass over the years. For this, I applied a metal cleaning solution, along with the softer metal brush, with good results.

It is important not to use a metal brush that is too hard, as it can damage the brass, creating visible scratches in the brass of the lamp. After rigorous cleaning and brushing for a couple of hours, I was really happy with the end result, as the old faded brass was now shining again, and I was ready to move on to putting it all back together.

Reassembly and final touches

It is often the case that dismantling something is a lot easier than putting it back together, which is definitely true for an emeralite. One of the hardest and most frustrating parts of the process was threading the wire back into its original position.

Through its way down from the socket, the wiring goes through a couple of very tight holes in the metal/brass construction. Although I did not have to replace the wiring in this lamp, and therefore did not remove it completely, I decided to reinforce it with some electrical tape in a couple of tight spots where the wire has some superficial damage from the surrounding metal, which made threading it back even harder.

After a little trouble and frustration, I was finally able to get it through, but my troubles did not end there. The next step was to attach the actual uppermost part of the base to the long metal bolt, but of course, I managed to put it on backward on my first try, however, it did not prove to be that big of a hiccup.

After my early setbacks, putting together the rest of the base was smooth sailing, however, I tried putting it back together with the broken metal piece mentioned earlier, but despite my best efforts, the fact that this metal piece was broken meant that the lamp would remain crooked.

Recall that the lower parts of the base were attached to the long threaded bolt with 2 nuts, one of which was right underneath the broken piece, while the other one is at the very bottom. So, what I decided to do was to remove the broken piece and the nut underneath, and only attach the lamp with the nut at the bottom.

Despite being a little tricky to keep everything together while fastening it, it turned out great, and although there was one piece missing, it was barely noticeable, and the lamp was standing straight.

Although I should have done it before putting everything else back together, I now had to put the new inner socket piece (with the pull-chain switch) into the original outer socket shell. Although it started out easy, attaching the wiring to the inner socket piece, getting it all to fit inside the original outer socket shell was a little tricky.

First of all, the cardboard insulation that came with the new socket was a little longer than the original one, and it was a little wider at the bottom. Shortening it was easy, as I simply removed the excess length with a pair of scissors, however, when it came to fit everything into the original socket shell, it proved to be a tight fit, but I got it in there.

Second, I now had to fit that already stuffed socket piece onto its attachment on the lamp. The way it works is that there is a ring on the lamp, which is very slightly wider than the base of the outer socket shell, and applying gentle force enables you to press it in, resulting in a tight fit that keeps it in place.

With the socket piece already stuffed due to the new cardboard, this proved to be a whole lot more difficult, but after some anger and frustration I was finally able to fit it in, after which  the only thing left to do was to put the shade back in place and pull the brand new pull-chain switch.

End result

Overall I’m very happy with the end result. Of course one can recognize that the shade has been broken and put back together, and those who know emeralite lamps will probably be able to see that the metal piece that was broken on the lower part of the base is missing, but for the price that I paid and the experience gained from this project, I am very satisfied.

Hopefully, I will be able to get my hand on an unbroken, original shade in the future, making it even more complete. I might also consider getting an emeralite being sold without the shade, using it for parts, so that I might be able to replace the missing part on the base.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the journey of getting this old emeralite back in better condition, and that it might inspire you to try something similar. I will upload a video of the whole process as soon as I’m finished editing.

I hope you found this article informative. If you have any comments, questions or other inquiries, please leave a comment in the comment section below.

The post Repairing and restoring an old Bankers Lamp appeared first on The Bankers Lamp.