Overview
This is a quintessential 'Machine Age' task lamp, featuring a heavy cast-metal base with a distinctive 'wrinkle' enamel finish and a flexible chrome gooseneck arm.
Preliminary identification
Mid-Century Industrial 'Crinkle Finish' Gooseneck Desk Lamp
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
The 1940s saw a radical shift in American design as the rugged efficiency of the factory floor began to move into the home office. These lamps were the silent partners of the era's great thinkers, found on the desks of architects, engineers, and students who…
Maker / Origin
While many companies produced these, the Dazor Manufacturing Corp of St. Louis was a pioneer, famous for inventing the 'floating arm' lamp in 1938.
Condition & Value
The lamp appears to have its original brown cord and a well-preserved crinkle finish on the base. There is some visible oxidation and pitting on the chrome neck and the faceted end-cap, which is expected for its age.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD