What is that green desk lamp called?

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.