How to Identify a Real Tiffany Lamp
The name "Tiffany" is commonly used to refer to any lamp with a stained-glass shade, but don't be fooled. True Tiffany lamps were designed and manufactured by Louis Comfort Tiffany from 1892 until about 1930. They were produced by The Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company and then simply Tiffany Studios. Although distinctive in style, it can be difficult to determine whether a Tiffany lamp is authentic or a fake.
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Instructions
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Evaluate the quality of your lamp's construction and its materials. Tiffany lamps are known for their meticulous craftsmanship. Poor construction of the lamp, such as shoddy soldering, would be the first clue that the lamp may be a fake. Tiffany produced an almost endless number of floral and geometric designs and each piece of glass that was used in the process was unique. These glass pieces were held in place almost exclusively by copper foil and the lamp bases were almost always made out of bronze and/or stained glass.
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Know that you usually get what you pay for. The price of an authentic Tiffany lamp will range from several thousands to over a million dollars. Most genuine Tiffany pieces are in the hands of private collectors and if they come up for sale, it will usually be through an established auction house. Beware of that great deal online.
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Check for a maker's mark. Most bases and some shades carry the Tiffany mark. Shades may have the initials "LCT" scratched into them. Most bases will carry a mark, typically TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK and possibly a number. If there is a mark, it should all be in upper-case letters in a font with no serif. Also, the patina of the metal on the mark should match the rest of the lamp base.
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Evaluate the shade for wear. Over time, the heat from the light bulb might crack individual pieces. Also, since they were handmade and each glass was placed individually, the pieces may come loose. A lamp in "perfect" condition with no loose pieces might be a reproduction. Also check that an antiqued finish hasn't been applied recently. Dip a cotton swab in acetone and rub lightly over the shade. You should have not any color removal from the glass.
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Examine the lamp's socket. While the original Tiffany lamps were made as oil lamps, electricity was in widespread use by about 1915. Up until 1930, the pull-chain socket was popular and/or the socket was hard rubber. If the socket in the lamp is plastic, it has either been replaced or the lamp is not a genuine Tiffany.
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Tips & Warnings
If in doubt, hire a reputable appraiser.
References
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Comments
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very informative bought lamp that was said to be antique only paid 40 dollars but craftmanship not bad so were it needle in haystack money loss not great.
