Rare 1940s Emerald Green GWTW Lamp Hand Painted Enamel Dual Light Pristine

Details

Description

A stunning example of mid-century craftsmanship, this exceptional Gone with the Wind style parlor lamp showcases the quality and artistry … Read more A stunning example of mid-century craftsmanship, this exceptional Gone with the Wind style parlor lamp showcases the quality and artistry of 1940s American decorative lighting. Featuring a magnificent hand-blown emerald green glass globe with meticulous hand-painted floral decoration, this lamp represents the finest tradition of Victorian-revival artistry.


EXCEPTIONAL FEATURES:


HAND-PAINTED ARTISTRY:

The emerald green glass globe displays exquisite hand-painted botanical decoration featuring delicate pink and white blossoms, blue forget-me-nots, and graceful foliage. Each floral element is rendered with careful attention to detail, showcasing the artist's skill in color blending and composition. The decoration is enhanced with metallic gold and bronze accents that catch and reflect light beautifully.


RAISED ENAMEL DECORATION:

Surrounding the globe are hundreds of individually applied raised enamel dots, creating a dimensional beaded effect. This labor-intensive technique was reserved for higher-quality pieces and demonstrates the exceptional craftsmanship invested in this lamp. The raised dots create visual interest and tactile appeal, adding depth and luxury to the overall design.


RARE EMERALD GREEN GLASS:

While pink and ruby red were common colors for GWTW-style lamps, this rich emerald green is significantly less common and highly sought after by collectors. The glass exhibits beautiful color gradation from deep emerald to lighter jade tones, creating visual depth and interest. When illuminated, the green glass produces a warm, inviting glow that showcases the hand-painted decoration to stunning effect.


SOPHISTICATED DUAL-BULB LIGHTING SYSTEM:

Unlike standard single-socket lamps, this piece features an ingenious 4-way rotary switch controlling two independent bulbs:


Globe illumination - Internal bulb creates a beautiful decorative glow, highlighting the hand-painted artistry

Top light - Provides functional task lighting through the Victorian shade

Combination mode - Both bulbs for maximum illumination

Off position - Complete control of lighting ambiance

This versatile system allows the lamp to serve as both a stunning decorative accent and practical lighting source, adapting to any need or mood.


The substantial brass base features elegant turned concentric rings in the classical Victorian style. The brass shows appropriate age patina, indicating authenticity and adding to the lamp's vintage character. The weight and quality of the casting reflect the superior construction standards of the era.


ORIGINAL FABRIC-COVERED ELECTRICAL CORD:

The lamp retains its original period fabric-covered electrical cord, a significant indicator of age and authenticity. Fabric cords were standard on quality lamps through the 1950s before being replaced by modern plastic insulation. The presence of the original cord confirms this lamp's mid-century vintage and adds to its collectible value. (Modern safety ground wire has been professionally added while preserving the vintage cord.)


COMPLETE WITH ORIGINAL VICTORIAN SHADE:

The lamp includes its original Victorian-style fabric shade with decorative fringe trim. The shade is in excellent condition with no tears, stains, or damage. Finding GWTW lamps complete with their original shades is increasingly rare, as many have been separated or damaged over the decades. The shade's survival in this pristine condition significantly enhances the lamp's value and completeness.


MELON-RIBBED GLOBE FORM:

The glass globe features the classic melon or pumpkin-ribbed form characteristic of quality Victorian and Victorian-revival lighting. The vertical ribbing adds architectural interest and creates beautiful light refraction when the lamp is illuminated.


CONDITION:


EXCELLENT VINTAGE CONDITION - Near museum display quality


Glass Globe:


No chips, cracks, or damage

Hand-painted decoration intact with minimal wear

Raised enamel dots complete and undamaged

Metallic accents well-preserved

Glass clear and brilliant with no cloudiness

Beautiful color saturation throughout

Brass Base:


Appropriate age patina (can be polished if desired)

No dents, damage, or repairs

Structurally sound and stable

All original components

Shade:


Original fabric in excellent condition

No tears, holes, or stains

Fringe trim complete and intact

Clean and ready to display

Proper fit and mounting

Electrical:


Fully functional 4-way rotary switch

Both bulbs operate perfectly

Original fabric cord with modern safety ground

Professional wiring

Ready to use immediately


MEASUREMENTS:


Height with shade: 24 inches


Height to top of globe (without shade):  13 inches


Base diameter : 7inches


Globe diameter (widest point): 13 inches


Shade diameter: 15 inches


Weight: 5.2 lbs (substantial, quality construction) See less