Preliminary identification

Mid-Century Modern Brushed Brass Laurel-Style 'Laurel' Table Lamp

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This elegant table lamp features a fluid, sculptural brushed brass body that tapers gracefully from a weighted tulip base to a slender neck. It is a quintessential example of Mid-Century Modern organic minimalism, designed to bring warmth and architectural interest to a room without visual clutter.

Story

In the 1960s, American homes shed heavy, ornate decor for sleek, space-age lines. This lamp's fluid silhouette was inspired by Eero Saarinen's iconic tulip pedestal design, turning a simple light fixture into a piece of functional sculpture.

Maker / Origin

The Laurel Lamp Manufacturing Company of Newark, New Jersey, was one of the premier American lighting manufacturers of the mid-20th century. Known for their collaborations with top designers and their use of high-quality metals and glass, Laurel specialized in lamps that doubled as modern art. Their pieces are highly sought after today for their timeless, sculptural silhouettes.

Condition & Value

The lamp base appears to be in good vintage condition with a consistent brushed finish and no obvious deep pitting or denting. The shade is a period-appropriate replacement or original in clean condition. Excellent original finish and working wiring command a premium.

Full Research

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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 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.