Lamp of the Day
Posted September 15th, 2007 by MarkThree-Cat TV Lamp (maker unknown)
This interesting lamp has developed great popularity for what it isn’t… it isn’t a Claes! It appears to be a creative re-working of Leland Claes Siamese Cats, with the addition of a kitten on the left, resulting in a format vaguely similar to the Lane & Co. 3-Cats design. In previous posts I’ve spoken of an unwritten “15% rule” regarding the use of designs from others, and the kitten would have cleverly met that criteria. So who made these lamps? The only marking is Made in Calif. scripted across the bottom, which isn’t much help. My pet theory is that it could have been done by William Hirsch Manufacturing, the company that is generally considered to have made Claes’ designs. I’m of the belief that the designer and manufacturer came to some sort of disagreement, with Hirsch opting to carry-on with modified versions of the Leland Claes lamps. Read more…
I’ve been contacted by many collectors looking for help in identifying their TV lamp, often confused that the only marking they can find is on the switch, Leviton. While the name appears on most lamps, they were responsible for just the electrics, as Leviton was one of the largest producer of electric switches and lamp sockets in the world. Founded in 1906 by Isidor Leviton, the company remains a thriving family-owned enterprise. Initially focusing on gas lighting, Leviton was quick to shift their focus towards electrical fixtures, the arena in which the company was to excel. Isidor’s son Harold was an active part of Leviton beginning in the ’40s, becoming President and CEO in 1965. He served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at the time of his passing on September 8th, 2007. No, Leviton didn’t make lamps, they made them work.
A member of the 
The horse TV lamp shown here isn’t particularly rare, but holds great interest for me because I almost know the maker. As with all the important historical quests (who made the pyramids, where’s Jimmy Hoffa, why didn’t TV lamps also play 8-track tapes), it’s all about the search. For some unknown reason, and I’m speaking only for myself, unearthing the history of these lamps matters. In the great scheme of things TV lamps are pretty small-potatoes, and I suppose I research them with a passion that’s, well…maybe a little irrational. But hey, I might be remembered for my contributions one day. TV lamps might be seen as a significant part of 20th century culture and I’ll be regarded as a pioneer, my headstone topped with a granite panther… illuminated, of course. (gotta remember to specify that part about the grave-site electrical outlet in my will…) 
Everyone’s familiar with ceramic TV lamps, and many have seen them made from plaster or cast iron, but a significant number used other materials all together. Anyone remember the TV lamps that used to populate tourist traps across the country, the ones made from seashells? Still others were made from wood or cactus. Yep, cactus. The company Cactus Craft of Arizona built a thriving business by making all sorts of novelty items with cholla wood, the dried skeleton of cactus. This might seem an odd choice of materials, but the cork-like cholla was surprisingly durable, and also imparted an interesting organic quality. 
I believe that this TV lamp from Maddux of California doesn’t get the respect it deserves… what? No, I haven’t taken leave of my senses. (which I suppose could be suspect from the outset) While TV lamps have been elevated to a lofty position by collectors, it’s good to remember what catapulted them to the rank of “hot collectible” in the first place. The 1970s and ’80s saw considerable interest in the more tasteless artifacts of the 1950s, from B-movies to home decor, and this lamp would certainly have been appreciated then. TV lamps are a peculiar product of their time and today represent the epitome of ill-conceived, downright tacky design. This is too often forgotten, as they are today sometimes viewed with a solemn reverence once reserved for Roseville pottery or Tiffany glass. Providing that your sense of humor is intact, how can this cheesy (and cheese-colored!) lamp not bring a smile? 
Not many TV lamp collectors will be familiar with this company, but vintage clock enthusiasts are liable to know them for their association with the earliest digital clocks. Tele-Vision Clock Corp. of America and The Pennwood Numechron Co. were somehow tied, as both names appear on some items, but the nature of this association is unclear. So how do they figure into the TV lamp world? I’ll begin with a quote from a terrific website, 
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!)