Miscellaneous TV Lamps

This is the "odds and ends" area for lamps that defy categorization...and sometimes defy description! These are often non-figural TV lamps, many of which are whimsical abstractions that fully capture the essence of mid-century design.

	Undoubtedly Gilner produced few of these planter/TV lamps, as they are quite scarce. Photos courtesy of Barbara from Fremont, Ohio.
	Back view of the pink Gilner planter/lamp.
	The Gilner marking is clearly visible on the bottom.
	A rather unusual, seldom seen Kron design which was referred to as the model K140 TV planter lamp. They were originally a two-piece affair, with the gold ceramic figurine cradled between the "points" behind the planter. The K140 designation was followed by a "B", "C" or "D", which indicated whether the gold figurine (missing from this example) was a bird, cat or deer.
	The same lamp as above in turquoise.
	This bear TV lamp is in demand today, but production numbers were relatively low, as TV lamp popularity was waning at the time. Was also manufactured as a table lamp.
	This Kron model K196 TV lamp wasn't popular in it's day and is quite rare. Many thanks to David Cole from Bangs, Texas for parting with this great TV lamp!
	Back view of the Kron Fruit Vase. The glaze on this is difficult to describe. It appears to have been cast with a dark brown-violet coloration, then a transparent milky white glaze poured over it...beautiful!
	This beautiful off-white abstraction has gold, green and pink coloration which are better seen in close-up. Rather large at 12" tall, this uncommon Maddux lamp/planter would make a fine addition to anyone's collection. Photos courtesy of Janet Giliberty, St. Petersburg, FL.
	Same design as the Maddux above, this one wears a different finish. Nice! Photos courtesy of eBay seller gwsru2.
	Back view.
	Here's a close-up of the lovely airbrushed glaze.
	It was pointed out to me by Bess W. Metcalf from The Sneaky Kitchen that this Jacquelin TV lamp represents a harp...thanks Bess! I've seen an example of this one that has a label on the back that says: Model 310 Jacquelin "Capri" Lamp. Also found in maroon or green.
	A large yet surprisingly lightweight lamp, this Phil-Mar has a beautiful drip glaze and elegant shape.
	I recently saw one of these with the original label, and discovered it to be by Phil-Mar. The small area on the front of this lamp was no doubt intended to be used as a candy dish.
	value:  rarity: This peculiar design from Haeger Potteries shares little stylistically with their other TV lamps. Rather than using the more typical method of casting, this one appears to have been pressed, a technique more typically employed in the production of ashtrays.
	This fanciful shell design has a speckled gold top glaze finished with a iridescent coating.
	A beautifully elegant and detailed shell. Also found in other colors.
	A simple chartreuse shell TV lamp. The bulb is located in the center, sending light directly upwards.
	While not marked as to the maker, this lamp does have a remnant of a Canadian CSA-approved label.
	Modern fiberglass cone mounted on a very classically styled ceramic base. Many similar lamps were made, often with small figurines on either side of the base.
	This vintage automobile TV lamp is relatively common, yet is the only lamp I've seen that is marked Buckingham Ceramics. It was, in fact, manufactured by McCoy, although the relationship between the two brands is unknown. It is shown here in the most common color, the green that McCoy favored.
	I believe we've officially crossed the bounds of good taste with this one! One of the strangest TV lamps I've seen, it in no way resembles any other designs from Maddux. (Or anyone else, for that matter) It is orange with brown lightly scrubbed over it in an "antiqued" fashion, and a red plastic shade to diffuse the light. Photos courtesy of Jared's Antiques, Fine Art, and Collectables, Endicott, NY.
	From the back you get a better view of the red shade, as well as the Maddux label. While fiberglass shades were commonly used, plastic is quite unusual. The shade on this lamp appears to be original, as I've seen other examples of this lamp with the same red plastic used.
	I'm not clear as to the subject of this white and pink number, but I like it! Photo courtesy of Retro-Wares.com.
	My favorite TV lamps tend to be a bit on the unusual side, and this example from Royal Fleet qualifies! A most generous tvlamps.net visitor sent this photo to me recently, and I was simply amazed... I have to believe it's quite rare. Photo is courtesy of Shirley Tennant from Nelson, British Columbia, Canada.
	Another example of Royal Fleet's great "Star and Moon" TV lamp, this time in white. No living room is complete without the heavenly glow from one of these!
	Back view of the star and moon lamp. The mold that these came from had to have been very intricate, which could explain their rarity.
	This rare basket TV lamp by Phil-Mar is unusual both for the blue glaze and for the presence of the original label and tag.
	The reverse of the Phil-Mar tag provides a revealing look into 50's marketing. The lovely blue glaze is made all the more desirable by the name assigned to it, "teal lava". And don't forget...buying two Phil-Mar TV lamps can add "modern decorator styling" to your room!
	Looking very similar to their Bamboo TV lamp, this Miramar dragon lamp is highly textured. Thanks to Niki from Mesquite, Texas for the photos!
	Top view shows the chartreuse glaze that is the base color upon which the texture has been added.
	This one has a clear Miramar marking on the bottom.
	I discovered this little gem at an antique mall in Forney, Texas, and is the only one like this that believe I've ever seen. It has much in common with the Kron comedy/tragedy lamp, including the overall shape and thick spattered glaze. The somewhat oriental styling to the base is unique among Kron designs.
	Here's the back of the pink Kron TV lamp.
	The Kron mark is clearly seen on the back.
	Certainly not a flashy design, this K135 "Modern Flare TV Lamp" is in fact one of the rarest Texans Inc. designs. As with the K136 shown above, it has the textured "Pebble-Tex" glaze.
	This back view shows the Kron marking.
	Now we are looking at one of those concepts from a by-gone era that just don't compute in today's mind...a combination TV lamp/aquarium. As though TV lamps weren't odd enough, Bilt-Rite distinguished itself by adding fish! Note the tranquil outdoor scene, intended, no doubt, to showcase your trout in their natural environment. Photos courtesy of Chad Becker & Jen Adams from Martinsville, IN.
	Back view of the incredible aqua-lamp!
	Seen from above, one can see that this TV lamp/fish-tank is constructed primarily of metal, with fiberglass used for the shade and glass inserts to hold the piranha. A typical bakelite fixture is used for illumination. Chad and Jen are consummate professionals, and only use low-wattage appliance bulbs to protect their vintage lamps.
	This artist's palette TV lamp (maker unknown) is odd, very rare and extremely undervalued. It has also been found in black and in gray, but other colors may have been used. Photos courtesy of Paula Williams of Youngstown, Ohio.
	Globs of "paint" of several colors grace the front of the lamp. The various colors on this lamp, other than the chartreuse glaze, are "cold painted", which is to say that the color was painted on after the firing process.
	Back view of the artist's palette TV lamp.
	A treasure chest TV lamp...now I've really seen everything! Pretty good idea though. Photos courtesy of House-Of-Fun Collectibles, Signal Hill, CA. (Ebay seller: House-of-Fun)
	There's obviously something missing from this lamp, but whether it had a ceramic cover or perhaps a fiberglass shade is unknown. (At least by me!)
	Back view.
	The Sierra Vista marking is on the bottom.
	This vase-like Haeger lamp has been found in a myriad of colors, but most often is found with the upper portion glazed in maroon or green. While it has slits in the side, most of the light is directed to the ceiling.
	This cute squirrel is one of the few TV lamps produced by Twin Winton. Photos courtesy of Marcia Kile of Mariposa, California.
	Here's the back of the Twin Winton squirrel.
	The bottom of the squirrel TV lamp wears the Twin Winton marking.
	I just love these artsy abstract designs!
	The label on this lamp shows it to have been made by D.A. Boucher Co., and appears to have come from Murphysboro, Illinois.
	Although they aren't known for western themes, Maddux tackled the subject with originality, achieving great results. The designer, who is unknown, sculpted this piece with tremendous skill.
	Back view of the Maddux saddle lamp.
	The top view shows how the sculptural aspect integrates naturally with the planter.
	Rather than placing the Maddux marking behind the bulb, this one was marked on the bottom.
	Another seldom-seen Lane & Co. TV lamp, this one depicting an oriental-style house complete with marble windows! Dated 1960. Photos courtesy of Judy Wolfe from Hometown Antique Mall, Stephenville, Texas.
	Back view.
	Looking vaguely like a Miramar design, this Kirkwood TV lamp was given an oriental flavor. Understated vase-type TV lamps were common, and no doubt appealed to those who felt that pink poodles or pirate ships were just a bit too much. This one can also be found in chartreuse. Photos courtesy of Richard Turbin.
	This foil label is the only marking I've seen that indicates Kirkwood as the manufacturer. Other than the California reference, the location of Kirkwood is unknown.
	Believe it or not, this isn't the only time that a TV lamp was designed in the form of a fireplace. Considering the subject, this McCoy lamp was made in some decidedly odd colors, including black, pink and the green shown here. McCoy often used a marvelous translucent brown glaze on their planters and figurines, and I'm surprised that it isn't found on this lamp.
	Back view of McCoy's hearth TV lamp.
	In contrast to the frequently seen Premco oriental boat TV lamp, this fireplace design is quite rare. It is marked with the year 1955, and has a fiberglass shade to give that "glowing hearth" illusion. Photo courtesy of an eBayer from Arkansas.
	Just a variation on the "Aladdin's Lamp" theme? Hardly...this baby from M&M Manufacturing is both a lamp and vaporizer! Photos courtesy of Stephen Mihalak from Highland Village, Texas.
	Here's the back of the amazing "Vape-O-Lamp". (I just made that up, can you tell?)
	Top view.
	Ok, the truth comes out...it was really called an "Aladdin Magic Vaporizer". My name was better.
	This one isn't a visual stand-out, but it's certainly rare! At 18½" tall, it is big, too. Photos courtesy of a seller from Lubbock, Texas.
	Here's a back view. The rather colonial styling makes this Kron TV lamp look more like a table lamp base.
	The openings that facilitate the illumination aren't particularly effective, which could explain the limited production of this design.
	It has the usual Kron marking.
	Also rare and similar in styling to the one above, this reading lamp, a Kron design from Texans Incorporated, could mount on the wall or hang on the headboard of a bed. Photos courtesy of Wanda from Caldwell, Texas.
	The hanging hooks are visible from this angle, as is the Kron marking.
	This view from the underside shows the light fixture.
	Elephants weren't too common a subject for TV lamps, but this example from Hollywood Ceramics isn't the first.
	Back view.
	Beachcomber's made this distinctive geometric TV lamp out of the translucent pottery that they favored. Photos courtesy of an eBay seller from Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
	Here she is all lit up!
	Now a back view. The Beachcomber's foil label is visible.
	Let's cut to the chase...this lamp is ugly. But you can't fault Universal Statuary for being original! Photos courtesy of TKR Collectibles-Central Illinois.
	Back view.
	A closer look reveals the decorative color added... wow!
	Undoubtedly one of the less common Marcia of California designs. Photos courtesy of an eBayer from Harvard, Illinois.
	On the back one can see the Marcia of California marking.
	Top view.
	The use of translucent clay makes this hearth lamp a real fireplace!
	It wasn't common for television to be the subject of TV lamps, but here's just such a creation. Photos courtesy of eBay seller eireladdie, a great seller that always seems to have fine TV lamps!
	The lamp portion was styled like a television, with a faux-picture screen to diffuse the light. The on-off switch is placed towards the bottom, just like on a real TV!
	The lamp is mounted to the metal framework which then holds two matching planters.
	Back-view, showing the arrangement of the electrical parts. The only marking on the ceramic parts is 6-21855. Maker is unknown.
	Who wouldn't want a polka-dot piggie on their television? Actually, I suspect that this lamp from Lane & Co. was intended for use in a child's room. Photos courtesy of Jim from Topeka, Kansas.
	Here's a look at the other side. It is dated 1958.
	Camark TV lamps aren't found too often, and this elephant is no exception. Photos courtesy of Bobby from Saint Francis, Kansas.
	Here's a look at the other side, but where's the fixture? The socket is fitted to the inside, the cord running through an opening on the bottom.
	Camark liked labels, and many examples are still found with both foil and paper labels present.
	A view of the bottom shows the mounting of the on/off switch.
	In contrast to other Boucher TV lamps, this is a simple vase-like design. Curiously, it has what looks very much like a Sascha Brastoff design on the front! Photo courtesy of George Martin of Little Valley, NY.
	Part of the D.A. Boucher label is present on the back.
	While certainly not a flashy design, this Lane & Company pitcher TV lamp is a seldom-seen piece. Photos courtesy of eBay seller, keyman1.
	Back view.
	The Lane & Co. pitcher is marked on the bottom. (no date)
	This Bradley Manufacturing "Old Mill" TV lamp was produced for them by Gonder Ceramic Arts. Photos courtesy of R.L. Rising of Rising Sky Artworks.
	Now for something completely different!  I'm not sure what purpose the "Bug-a-roo" served (bug repellent...reading light for bugs?), but I like it!  It's 8¾" tall.
	Here's the Bug-a-roo label that proclaims it to be "The Miracle Lamp".  I'm not sure what miracle it performs, but I did try rubbing it while chanting, bring Elvis back... bring Elvis back... no luck.
	Pretty cool on/off switch, eh?
	It even has a view-window to show you that the light is on! (?) Gee, I thought for sure The King would materialize...  adtfter-all, it does have a crown on it!
	Here's a different style of Bug-a-Roo. I have one of these in pink that I'll take photos of to post here...just as soon as I can find it! Photo courtesy of Blake from San Antonio.
	An unusual offering from Lane & Co., this abstraction has an organic quality. It is similar to art pottery designs from other California makers, including West Coast Potteries. Photos courtesy of Diana from Bella Villa, Missouri.
	The back is marked, Lane & Co. ©1956 Van Nuys Calif 810.
	One of the rarest and most desirable of all TV lamps, this skyscrapers design by Hedi Schoop is spectacular!
	Back view of the skyscrapers lamp.
	Very different from their more common comedy-tragedy models, this Kissner "Tri-Wonder" is a simple cylindrical design. Photos courtesy of Chuck Kissner.
	Here's the business-end of the cylindrical Tri-Wonder. This view shows the depression at the top of the bulb that held the fragrance/insect repellant tablets.
	Close-up of the Kissner label on the felt base.
	An original Tri-Wonder bulb. Not many of these around!
	value:  rarity: Similar in concept to the products of other makers, Luminart's shell is an attractive lamp nonetheless. Photos courtesy of Michelle from Moscow, Idaho.
	Back view. This example is special in that it retains the original hang-tag.
	Luminart must have invented the concept of corporate "branding", as they were more than happy to toss around trade names! The hang-tag promotes this being a Sheridan Lamp and designed by Marti of Hollywood. The Sheridan Lamp reference is unusual, as it's more common to read, Genuine Sheridan China on their products. The company is called Luminart Lampshade Prod's Inc. N.Y.C. in this instance.
	value:  rarity: A rare and unusual lamp, this design from Maddux of California emulates the look of a classical vase. (And also looks vaguely like a rocket ship!) Photos courtesy of eBay seller, bisbee_az.
	Back view. The red/orange glaze is a stand-out!
	One more look.
	value:  rarity: Seen fairly often and in a variety of colors, this Premco shell lamp is heavily adorned with decorative details, including 22k gold.
	Premco didn't waste any gold on the back!
	It's marked, Premco Mfg. Co. Chgo. 1956.
	value:  rarity: Perhaps it's just me, but I think this is one of the strangest TV lamps around. A fence, trees...huh? I love it. Photos courtesy of eBay seller, ninnyphit.
	Back view. Unfortunately, there's no markings that might indicate the maker.
	value:  rarity: A scarce lamp, this vase-like design is from Lane & Co. Photos courtesy of eBay seller, brum.
	Back view. It has a copyright date of 1957.
	value:  rarity: Phil-Mar's rampaging elephant is a bold design, this one finished in their "gray lava" glaze.
	Back view. Yes, this elephant has only one ear!
	value:  rarity: This is the only example of a Gary Art Studio TV lamp I've seen, but I'm sure that it originally had a figure (oriental?) on the left side. I can't prove it, so you'll just have to trust me on this.
	Back view.
	Close-up of the Gary Art Studio marking, which includes a copyright date of 1953.
	An atypical, but attractive, design by Beachcomber Potteries. Photo courtesy of Tina Jo and Billy "Wild Bill" Bowman of Wills Point, Texas.
	value:  rarity: The folks at Beachcomber Pottery were fond of using translucent clay and iridescent glazes, and this shell features both.
	Back view.
	The only way to identify most Beachcombers lamps, a surprising number of them still have this foil label.
	The translucent clay transforms the lamp when it's lit!
	value:  rarity: Looking like an aquatic version of the classic stalking panther TV lamp, this seal from Modern Art Products is extremely rare.

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