Hollywood Regency Waterfall Lamp Value Guide
- Period
- 1945-1955
- Origin
- United States
- Materials
- Pressed glass, chrome-plated steel, glass prisms
- Category
- Hollywood regency lamp
The Hollywood Regency Waterfall Lamp is a quintessential mid-century accent designed to bring theatrical glamour to 1940s and 50s vanities. These lamps are highly collectible for their tiered 'fountain' silhouette and the shimmering light refraction created by their cascading glass prisms.
What affects the value of Hollywood Regency Waterfall Lamp?
- Completeness of the glass prisms, as missing or chipped hanging elements significantly reduce the $115-$125 market value.
- Condition of the hobnail pressed glass base, specifically looking for cracks or 'flea bites' in the textured pattern.
- The state of the chrome-plated steel, where pitting or heavy oxidation can detract from the lamp's decorative appeal.
- Originality of the electrical components, though rewired examples are often preferred for functional safety in modern homes.
How to Identify Hollywood Regency Waterfall Lamp?
- Look for the signature tiered chrome-plated steel frame designed to hold multiple rows of hanging glass prisms.
- Identify the base material as hobnail or 'thousand eye' pressed glass, a common feature of 1945-1955 American production.
- Check for a central bulb housing surrounded by prism hooks that create the characteristic waterfall effect.
- Verify the presence of original chrome plating on the structural metal components, typical of the era's aesthetic.
History of Hollywood Regency Waterfall Lamp
Gaining immense popularity during the Hollywood Regency era of the 1940s and 50s, these lamps were designed to add glamour and theatrical flair to bedrooms and vanities. The 'waterfall' design mimics a fountain, with glass prisms designed to catch and refract light from the central bulb, creating a shimmering effect. This specific style often utilized hobnail or 'thousand eye' pressed glass for the base, a technique popularized by companies like Fenton, though many were produced as unbranded decorative accents for department stores.
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