Premco Manufacturing
A number of lamps can be attributed to Premco Manufacturing. Most examples from this Chicago pottery are of oriental boat themes, undoubtedly a big seller for the company. Premco is the only company that I'm aware of that manufactured both ceramic and plaster lamps.
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value: rarity: This one is so similar to the Fuhry & Sons Oriental Boat lamp that it's hard to believe they were made by different companies. The top was designed to accommodate a table lamp style of fixture and shade, giving the maker two lamps to sell from a single mold. The back is marked, Premco Mfg. Co. Chicago, Ill. |
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value: rarity: 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. |
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value: rarity: Very art-deco in style, this Premco TV lamp is dated 1954. Photos courtesy of Mike's General Store. |
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Another look... |
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Back view. |
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value: rarity: I find this Premco TV lamp fascinating because of the material used in its construction. Whereas other Premco TV lamps are ceramic, this oriental design is plaster, making it a rare example of a pottery manufacturer opting to produce a chalkware product. Photos courtesy of an eBayer from the great state of Maine. |
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Here she is all lit-up... real pretty! |
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Here's the back of it. |
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value: rarity: Premco returns to the oriental theme with this beautiful, yet seldom-seen design. Photos courtesy of R.L. Rising of Rising Sky Artworks. |
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value: rarity: Another chalkware TV lamp from Premco, this one being particularly interesting for its odd "oriental gingerbread house" theme. Note the similarities, and differences, to the lamp above. Photos courtesy of Mark Burroughs, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. |
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Back view. |
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value: rarity: Seldom-seen, this Premco wagon is a distinctive rendition of the theme. Photos courtesy of Leonard from Montezuma, Iowa. |
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When its separate components are viewed, one can see that the ceramic body is only a small part of the construction. It is marked with the year 1954. |
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The red fiberglass shade makes quite a display! |
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value: rarity: This interesting Fishing Boat TV lamp from Premco has obviously weathered some rough seas, as much of the painted details are worn off and the fisherman's pole is missing. |
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value: rarity: This Premco TV lamp is unique in that captures a battle between a horse and panther. Photos courtesy of Cindy & Mike from Bakersfield, California. |
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The horse & panther lamp is plainly marked on the back, ©Premco Mfg. Co. 1958. |
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value: rarity: Seen fairly often and in a variety of colors, this Premco shell lamp is heavily adorned with decorative details, including 22k gold. |
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Premco didn't waste any gold on the back! |
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It's marked, Premco Mfg. Co. Chgo. 1956. |
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value: rarity: Seldom seen, this Premco planter/lamp wears a leaf motif. It's possible that this one was converted to a lamp at a later date, but the tall filigree base looks like a natural for light dispersion. Photos courtesy of eBay seller, goodstuffne. |
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All lit up! |
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The planter is marked, Premco Mfg. Co. Chicago, Ill. 1954. |
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value: rarity: Several potteries manufactured a coach similar to this one by Premco, but not usually as a lamp. |
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The Premco coach uses a separate frame/axle/wheel assembly, as did similar designs by Lane & Co. and others. |
