What are Antique Gooseneck Lamps?
Posted on June 30th, 2010 in Lighting | 3 Comments »
Despite what many people think, the gooseneck lamp is not a recent invention. In fact, the first patented gooseneck lamp dates back to 1889 when it was invented by Thomas R. Almond. While it is stretching things a bit to say that there is a brisk trading in antique gooseneck lamps, there definitely is a fair amount interest in them at the moment. They are extremely unique antiques that would look great on anyone’s desk or even as show pieces in a living area.
Antique gooseneck lamps are rather fascinating in that most of them were made with metal bases. The current trend at the time was to include an impression for an ashtray and a corresponding glass ashtray in the base. Usually the patent information is found directly above the ashtray, just before the neck of the lamp. Some were even made with an accompanying space for matches.
Tubes on the antique lamps were made from a spiral structure of metal rings. So great was the interest in this new ‘invention’ that soon many other ideas were thrown about for ways to use the peculiar flexible neck. For example, it was suggested that it could be used as a telephone stand, to illuminate slides under a microscope and to use to send a gas jet into awkward places.
These days it is possible to find many replica antique gooseneck lamps for sale (both floor and desk lamps). Frequently the antique style floor lamps feature two or three lamps on the end of twisting necks. They are styled after lamps made in the early 1900’s and definitely have a charm all of their own. It is not, however, as easy to find an original antique gooseneck, since they still usually sold for fairly cheap prices (often under $20). Finding and restoring one of these could be a very quick and easy way to add some old style charm to your home’s décor, without it costing you too much money.