The TV Lamp Collectors Blog

Claes “Kittens on a Pillow”

This is too cool… a variation of the Claes “Glowing-Eyed Siamese Twin Kittens T-V Lamp” that includes a pink pillow/cat bed! The cats and pillow are not fused together, the lamp set into position on the base. Although the pillow isn’t marked it was clearly designed specifically for the purpose of supporting the cats, their contours fitting perfectly. Is this rare? You bet your sweet bippy! The lamp itself is relatively scarce, but the pillow is extremely rare. I should mention at this point that the example shown here is currently listed on eBay, and is auction #300153002999. (more…)

Kron/Texans Inc. Poodle & Pug (white poodle), auction #260160429809.

Phil-Mar Asian Woman (pink), # 110170173382.

Lane & Co. Siamese Cats (2 cat version), #190153041428.

Jacquelin Panther (black, with original stamped marking!), #160157746489.

Cali-Co of California “Bird on a Log” (red), #130153688902.

Gonder/Bradley “Old Mill”, #150161569610.

Hollywood Ceramics Dove (chartreuse), #280152972060.

A member of the TV Lamp Forum posed an interesting question: what does an eBay seller mean when they call a lamp rare? The cynic in me knows the answer: It means they want you to bid. While eBay discourages inappropriate claims, a term as nebulous as “rare” is hard to control. Actually, it could be argued that all TV lamps can be said to be rare. But does it matter? Rarity can be a huge plus if the lamp in question is also desirable. On the other hand, dozens of TV lamps are extremely uncommon, yet they get no respect in the marketplace. For a lamp to be truly cherished by collectors it first needs to be a terrific lamp in terms of appearance, and preferably from a designer and/or manufacturer that is popular with collectors. If those criteria are met, then rarity only fuels the fire for a frenzied bidding war. (more…)

I knew this would happen. Postal rates go up and eBay sellers try to save a buck by shipping in tiny boxes. I received a lamp today that was packed in a shoe box…a shoe box. What the hell? Does anyone really believe that vintage pottery can be safely shipped in a shoe box? Obviously one person does. If anyone isn’t clear as to the effort needed to safely ship pottery, particularly to me, why not read, Packing Lamps for Shipment. Please!

Got your attention with that “missing link” thing, didn’t I? Actually, this lamp is fascinating to me, as it could show that Royal Copley did indeed produce lamps. It is generally believed by Copley historians that the company stayed out of the lamp business, and while the body of this example was commonly used as a vase, the switch/wiring on this example could be factory installed. (Haeger Potteries often converted planters and figurines into TV lamps) I’m aware that the electrics could have been added at a later date, but I wonder…it’s not easy drilling holes through glazed/fired ceramics! It’s a tough call to make, particularly without having the lamp in-hand. Before I go further, I should mention that this ram is now at auction on eBay, and is item #250161810587. (and runs out soon!) (more…)

I’m going to have to say yes, the rising cost of shipping has curtailed the frenzied trading of TV lamps on eBay, at least to an extent. Long-time collectors are accustomed to seeing the holidays slow down activity, but in the past couple of months have shown a similar downturn. I’m always watching the number of listings in eBay’s TV lamp category, a total that was until recently in the 300-350 range. Now it’s wheezing along at closer to 200 (222 as I write this), with no apparent cause. (unless you consider that back-to-school preparations could have people occupied) I’m inclined to believe that the cost of shipping a lamp, perhaps $12 before and now more like $25, to be the culprit. (more…)

On-line auction activity has been down recently, probably due in part to postal rate hikes…but don’t get me started on that. Here’s a few TV lamps that have brought hefty prices lately: (more…)