Chalkware TV lamps have always been seen as poor relations to their ceramic counterparts, lacking the beautiful, glossy finish found on glazed pottery. But chalkware (plaster) lamps have their own merits, often possessing brilliant coloration and distinctive, unusual designs. One unfortunate aspect of these plaster lamps is their poor durability, and it’s rare to find one that doesn’t possess some visible damage. Paint flakes are common, and plaster is very susceptible to chipping/crumbling with only minor impact. Collectors tend to take this fragile nature into account, and small defects have little effect on value.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp value: rarity:
This ballerina is an elegant design, and one of the least common L.M. Fielack TV lamps. Photos courtesy of eBay seller, explorer.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp They wanted to make sure you didn’t exceed 25 watts, so Fielack marked it right on the lamp.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp The lace paint-work adds a lot to this one!
L.M. Fielack TV lamp One more look.
value: rarity:
This beautiful chalkware TV lamp has detail that is lacking on most plaster lamps. Photos courtesy of John from Good Riddance Auctions.
A closer look shows the care put into this lamp.
Another detail view, this one showing some of the wear that invariably occurs on chalkware items.
The back reveals the colored shade which disperses the light and makes an attractive glow.
Puccini Leopard value: rarity:
Often worse for wear, this Puccini TV lamp is in fine condition for a chalkware item. Photos courtesy of Eddie Carire, Brooklyn NY.
Puccini Leopard Back view of the Puccini leopard.
Columbia Statuary TV Lamp value: rarity:
Columbia Statuary’s leopard is nicely detailed and colored. The same TV lamp can be found with a Puccini marking. Photos courtesy of an anonymous eBayer.
Columbia Statuary TV Lamp Back view.
Chalkware Lion value: rarity:
Rather than copy the ceramic TV lamps, the chalkware makers went their own direction, creating with strong color and bold designs. This lion is unmarked. Photo courtesy of Khrys from Canada.
value: rarity:
While it’s not unheard of to combine a TV lamp with candle holders, it’s fairly rare. This chalkware german shepherd lamp, acquired from the late Tom Santiso’s collection, does indeed have two built-in candle holders. Photo courtesy of Douglas Siska from Pecks Pond, PA.
Pittsburgh Statuary Couch lamp value: rarity:
Really now, what do you suppose they were thinking of when they designed this?! “Hey guys, why not focus in on the huge, untapped market for sofa lamps?” Photos courtesy of The2Gurlz, Haverhill, MA.
Pittsburgh Statuary Couch lamp Back view of the couch…at least the cat hasn’t clawed it!
Pittsburgh Statuary marking A close-up of the Pittsburgh Statuary marking shows a date of 1957.
Chalkware Panther value: rarity:
There’s something about chalkware lamps, perhaps their use of paint applied straight to the plaster, that allowed for a directness of expression that is typically absent in ceramic TV lamps. I’d be scared to walk past this one! Photos courtesy of John Ritchie from Toronto, Ontario.
A look at the back of the chalkware panther. The marking reads “Use 25 Watt Only”.
value: rarity:
This “Indian on the hunt” number is one of the more common, and interesting, chalkware TV lamps. Photos courtesy of an anonymous donation from Hot Springs, SD.
The back of the indian lamp reveals the intended location for the light fixture, which was never installed.
Here’s the intended location for the light switch.
Puccini ballerina value: rarity:
This Puccini ballerina TV lamp is one of their best. Photos courtesy of Bid Brothers, Portland, Oregon.
Puccini ballerina A look at the back of the ballerina lamp reveals the fiberglass shade used to diffuse the light.
Puccini ballerina A close-up shows the detail applied to this Puccini lamp. Painted detail was added not only to the plaster portion, but also to the fiberglass background.
Puccini ballerina Puccini typically stamped their name into their products.
Puccini ballerina value: rarity:
The Puccini Art Novelty Co. did another variation on the ballerina theme, this one posed with a harp. Photos courtesy of Char Korcz.
Puccini ballerina Back view.
value: rarity:
Though not common, this chalkware poodle was popular and can be found at auction once in a while. Photos courtesy of Bill Keller, Knoxville, TN.
Fiberglass “shades” were often used to diffuse the light.
Rock O’Stone panther value: rarity:
Given the wild paint sometimes applied to plaster TV lamps, this one is tastefully understated. Photos courtesy of John Reuter from Saint Petersburg, Florida.
Rock O’Stone panther Rock O’Stone went all-out in creating an aggressive looking panther!
Rock O’Stone ballerina value: rarity:
In stark contrast to their panther, the Rock O’Stone ballerina TV lamp is the essence of subdued grace. (did I say that?) Photos courtesy of a donor from La Sarre, Quebec.
Rock O’Stone ballerina Back view of the Rock O’Stone ballerina lamp.
Rock O’Stone marking The ballerina’s marking includes the copyright number.
value: rarity:
It’s not often that TV lamps can be described as provocative, but this vampish lady certainly turns up the heat! This one bucked the trend for chalkware lamps to have low value, as it brought more than $130 at auction. The unmarked lamp has a fiberglass shade to disperse the light. Photos courtesy of Rachael from Quitman, Louisiana.
Here’s the chalkware lamp as viewed from above.
rarity:
This unmarked chalkware TV lamp is elegantly designed and beautifully colored. Photo courtesy of Brian Moore from Groveport, Ohio.
Melrose lady matador value: rarity:
After acquiring hundreds of ceramic TV lamps, this is my first chalkware lamp. The use of a female matador adds charm to this interesting design. It is marked “Melrose-Lamps Co.” on the back.
back view Back view of the lady matador TV lamp.
chalkware TV lamp value: rarity:
This great unmarked chalkware lamp features a tropical motif, a subject that was quite popular in the day.
Chalkware TV lamp Here’s a close-up of the exotic, if dusty, native woman.
chalkware deer TV lamp value: rarity:
This is one of the most common chalkware TV lamps, and is also the most dynamic design. It is marked, “PAN 300”. Photos courtesy of Bob Acton, Jasper, IN.
chalkware deer TV lamp Back view of the chalkware deer.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp value: rarity:
Oriental themes, Oriental women in particular, showed up often as the subject of lamps. This one was made by L.M. Fielack. Photos courtesy of Larry Trexler from Sherrill, N.Y.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp Fiberglass shades were often used to diffuse the light, and helped give designs an atmospheric quality.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp Here’s a close-up of our Oriental woman.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp A back view shows the fixture and shade.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp By the fixture is the L.M. Fielack marking.
Favor-Ware Ballerina TV Lamp value: rarity:
Ballerina TV lamps are not uncommon, but seldom as nice as this example from Favor-Ware. Photos courtesy of Sherry Cooper from Canada.
Favor-Ware Ballerina TV Lamp Chalkware items often show their age, but this ballerina TV lamp is “new-old stock”…having just emerged from storage, in its original box, since the ’60s! Ever seen the fiberglass shade on a TV lamp look this white?
Favor-Ware Ballerina TV Lamp Here she is in all her glory! I start getting emotional when I see one of these lit-up…snif, snif…
Favor-Ware Ballerina TV Lamp This is another new-old-stock Favor-Ware ballerina, this time in white. Photos courtesy of Sherry Cooper from Canada.
Favor-Ware Ballerina TV Lamp The paint on these lamps is perfect!
Favor-Ware Ballerina TV Lamp As with the pink one, the cord is still in its original, protective wrap.
Florence Art TV Lamp value: rarity:
Unrestrained by the limitations of ceramic glaze, the chalkware manufacturers enjoyed more latitude where decorative finishes were concerned. The result was evident in designs like this colorful leopard by Florence Art. Photos courtesy of a contribution from Lorain, Ohio.
Florence Art TV Lamp Florence Art is stamped into the back of the leopard TV lamp.
Florence Art TV Lamp Another view.
Florence Art TV Lamp Here’s Florence Art’s panther lit-up in all its menacing glory!
L.M. Fielack TV lamp value: rarity:
Nifty poodle TV lamp from L.M. Fielack! Photos courtesy of Jacqueline from Long Island, NY.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp Warming its fanny at the fire.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp Back view.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp Here’s a look at the L.M. Fielack marking.
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp value: rarity:
Anyone who isn’t impressed by chalkware lamps hasn’t seen one in perfect condition…this is a beauty! Photos courtesy of Sherry Cooper from Canada.
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp This Ornamental Arts moose TV lamp just awoke from a few decades in a warehouse…and just removed from its original box! The antlers are plastic.
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp Here’s the moose’s backside.
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp One last look at this impressive moose TV lamp.
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp value: rarity:
Similar in design to the moose, this deer TV lamp is another nice design from Ornamental Arts & Crafts. Photos courtesy of Sherry Cooper from Canada.
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp …and like the moose, this deer lamp is new-old-stock.
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp Another picture of the Ornamental Arts deer TV lamp.
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp value: rarity:
I like all of these lamps from Ornamental Arts, but this elk is my favorite! Photos courtesy of Sherry Cooper from Canada.
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp Back view.
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp This image shows the marking on the elk TV lamp.
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp One last look!
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp value: rarity:
This one has to be the jewel in Ornamental Arts & Crafts crown. After all the reverent views of nature shown above, it’s obvious that something different is going on here! Seldom was humor used so blatantly in TV lamp design… and to such great effect. Photos courtesy of Linda Knauss of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp I believe these boys have been on their last hunt!
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp Back view.
Ornamental Arts TV Lamp Note the look of satisfaction. There’s no better feeling than returning home from a successful hunt!
Silvestri Bros. TV Lamp value: rarity:
The Silvestri Bros. used a common Oriental subject for this TV lamp, but added their own twist by incorporating a wishing well. Photo courtesy of John from Bedford, Ohio.
Silvestri Bros. marking The Oriental lamp has the Silvestri Bros. marking on the bottom, as well as the patent number.
Silvestri Bros. advertisement This vintage advertisement shows the lamp pictured above. The ad shows the lamp with greenery in place, and it was most likely included with the lamp.
CastleArt TV Lamp value: rarity:
I’ve seen at least one other TV lamp with a bear as the subject, but this is the only “multiple bear” lamp I’ve come across! Photos courtesy of Tom from Meriden, CT.
CastleArt TV Lamp Here’s a dual view, showing each end of CastleArt’s bear lamp.
CastleArt TV Lamp One last view, this one a look from above.
Columbia Statuary TV Lamp value: rarity:
This lovely Madonna and Child TV lamp is in excellent condition! Photos courtesy of Lin from Gloucester, MA.
Columbia Statuary TV Lamp Back view of the Columbia Madonna TV lamp.
Columbia Statuary TV Lamp The back is clearly marked Columbia Statuary Inc. © 1966. The year 1966 appears on a large number of Columbia Statuary products.
Rock O’Stone terrier value: rarity:
This was probably the most successful Rock O’Stone TV lamp. The bold paint work on this terrier makes it a real stand-out! Photo courtesy of Brenda from Fort Smith, Arkansas.
A.N. Brooks TV Lamp value: rarity:
This is without a doubt the most frequently found A.N. Brooks TV lamp. It has an unusual “flocked” finish, which is a felt-like material, probably sprayed on, that’s a bit like the texture of old “Hush Puppies” shoes…remember those? Photos courtesy of Steve & Kathy from Red Oak, Iowa.
A.N. Brooks TV Lamp This view shows the top and back of the Brooks Cocker Spaniel TV lamp.
A.N. Brooks TV Lamp Inside the Spaniel is the Brooks marking, with a foil label for good measure.
A.N. Brooks TV Lamp Such a lovable face.
A.N. Brooks TV Lamp “C’mon boy, play dead!”
Universal Statuary TV lamp value: rarity:
Let’s cut to the chase…this thing is ugly, but you can’t fault Universal Statuary for being original! This lamp is not at all representative of Universal’s designs, as most have a far-eastern, Victorian, Classical or Early American motif. Photos courtesy of TKR Collectibles- Central Illinois.
Universal Statuary TV lamp Back view.
Universal Statuary TV lamp A closer look reveals the decorative color added… wow!
Zerbini TV Lamp value: rarity:
Anyone yearning to adorn their new TV with the image of a leaping fish could have done worse than purchase one of these chalkware beauties by Zerbini!
Zerbini TV Lamp Back view.
Zerbini TV Lamp The Zerbini marking as it appears on their trout lamp.
Premco TV Lamp 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.
Premco TV Lamp Here she is all lit-up… real pretty!
Premco TV Lamp Here’s the back of it.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp value: rarity:
Another L.M. Fielack doggie TV lamp, this one of two Scotties. Photos courtesy of Jamie from Brooklyn, New York.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp Here’s the perky puppies basking in the glow.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp The L.M. Fielack marking is found on the back.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp Back view.
I.A.S. TV Lamp value: rarity:
I.A.S. put considerable detail, sculptural and decorative, into this chalkware ship lamp. Photos courtesy of Wayne from Alabama.
I.A.S. TV Lamp The ship lamp still has the original cloth-covered cord and bakelite plug.
I.A.S. TV Lamp It’s clearly marked © 1935 I.A.S. Co.
Sculpture Ware Co. TV Lamp value: rarity:
This elegant Last Supper TV lamp by Sculpture Ware is similar to a Helmscene in that it uses a framed transparent image. Photos courtesy of Sara from Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Sculpture Ware Co. TV Lamp Back view.
Sculpture Ware Co. TV Lamp It is marked Sculpture Ware Co. 1955.
Sculpture Ware Co. TV Lamp The Last Supper image is marked Copyright 1934 N. G. Basevi. Funny, I thought Leonardo DaVinci painted that one!
Florence Art TV Lamp value: rarity:
A charming design, this Florence Art TV lamp “borrows” heavily from the work of Hedi Schoop. Photos courtesy of George Martin of Little Valley, NY.
Florence Art TV Lamp Our oriental woman is clearly marked on the back.
Florence Art TV Lamp value: rarity:
Similar in design to the one above, the theme of this Florence Art TV lamp is quite different. Photos courtesy of an eBayer from Cheshire, Ohio.
Florence Art TV Lamp Another view.
Florence Art TV Lamp Back view.
Florence Art TV Lamp Our ballerina lamp is marked © Florence Art on the back.
Pacific Novelty TV Lamp value: rarity:
Looking rather like a lamp by A.N. Brooks, this Pacific Novelty Cocker Spaniel and Puppies TV lamp is a nice one! Photos courtesy of the fine folks at ShabbytownUSA.
Pacific Novelty TV Lamp Back view of the Pacific Novelty lamp.
Pacific Novelty TV Lamp One more look!
CSM TV Lamp value: rarity:
Stylistically similar to many ceramic TV lamps to come, CSM’s ship is detailed and nicely colored. Photos courtesy of James and Claudia from Mount Vernon, Ohio.
CSM TV Lamp Back view.
CSM TV Lamp I believe this bulb is as old as the lamp!
CSM TV Lamp It is marked on the back, © CSM 1935.
Melrose Violin TV Lamp value: rarity:
Musical instruments occasionally were the subject of TV lamps, as in this one from Melrose Lamps. Photos courtesy of Rita from upstate New York.
Melrose Violin TV Lamp Close-up.
Melrose Violin TV Lamp Here it is in all its illuminated glory!
M.T.A. Co. TV Lamp value: rarity:
Now this one is different! M.T.A. Co. came up with a unique design for their horse TV lamp. Photos courtesy of Dallas from Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
M.T.A. Co. TV Lamp Close-up.
M.T.A. Co. TV Lamp Back view.
Melrose TV Lamp value: rarity:
This TV lamp from Melrose-Lamps has to be the most charming design ever rendered in plaster. The skill put into sculpting the lamp, and the beautifully executed details, make this one a winner! Photos courtesy of an eBayer from Lebanon, PA.
Melrose TV Lamp The back reveals a small fiberglass shade that casts a glow around the children’s legs.
Melrose TV Lamp Here’s the © Melrose marking.
Michigan Artistic Creation TV Lamp value: rarity:
One of the most beautiful chalkware TV lamps I’ve seen, this Madonna and Child by Michigan Artistic Creation is dated 1958. Photos courtesy of Mama D from Browerville, Minnesota.
Michigan Artistic Creation TV Lamp One can easily see the care put into the detailed paint application.
Michigan Artistic Creation TV Lamp Side view.
Michigan Artistic Creation TV Lamp The bottom is marked, Mich Artistic Creation © 1958 Detroit Mich.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp value: rarity:
Seldom-seen chalkware Horse TV lamp by L.M. Fielack. Photos courtesy of an eBayer from Connecticut.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp Close-up.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp Back view.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp L.M. Fielack marking as found on the back of the horse lamp.
Columbia Statuary TV Lamp value: rarity:
Although not a TV lamp in the strictest sense, I had to include this ambitious creation from Columbia Statuary. At 16½” tall (not including fixture), this tropical lady would dominate any room! Photos courtesy of Richard from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Columbia Statuary TV Lamp Our exotic lady is the picture of serenity!
Columbia Statuary TV Lamp The Columbia Statuary folks detailed this lamp with great care.
Columbia Statuary TV Lamp Back view. It is marked, Columbia Statuary Co. ©G.P. 1878. The “G.P.” could be “C.P.”, and the 1878 has to be a model number, not the date!
Bertie Butorac TV lamp value: rarity:
This chalkware Bertie Butorac “Prom Queen” TV lamp can be found with different colors applied to her dress and hair.
Bertie Butorac TV lamp Back view. Rather large, our prom queen is 12″ tall and 19″ across!
Bertie Butorac TV lamp She’s marked Bertie Butorac ©1952 #1105.
Same Butorac as above, this one with different colors. I’ve seen this design numerous times, and suspect that many have survived because they have been cherished over the years by their owners. Photo courtesy of Freda from Charleston, WV.
Chalkware TV lamp value: rarity:
This charming chalkware TV lamp is a well thought-out design, with the shade being an important element of the composition. The oriental (Persian?) figures are nicely sculpted as well. Photos courtesy of eBay seller vanmantwo.
Chalkware TV lamp Back view. Unfortunately, this one isn’t marked as to the maker.
Chalkware TV lamp Here it is, all a-glow!
L.M. Fielack TV lamp value: rarity:
This chalkware panther by L.M. Fielack is one of their best designs. Photos courtesy of Tanya from Carbondale, Pennsylvania.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp The panther lamp is clearly marked, ©L.M. Fielack on the back.
Trigger TV lamp value: rarity:
This chalkware TV lamp may not have a manufacturer’s marking, but it does indicate the subject, Trigger. Roy Rogers faithful horse appeared in numerous western films. Photos courtesy of an eBayer from Brenham, Texas.
Trigger TV lamp Back view.
Trigger TV lamp The name Trigger is front-and-center on the base of the lamp.
Clevel Statuary TV Lamp value: rarity:
A good deal of similarity exists between this Clevel Statuary pagoda TV lamp and the one made by Silvestri Bros.
Clevel Statuary TV Lamp Originally there was probably some sort of diffusing screen over the windows to block direct glare from the bulb.
Clevel Statuary TV Lamp It’s marked, Clevel Statuary 1960.
Pittsburgh Statuary TV lamp value: rarity:
This exotic lady must have ruled proudly over a television back in the day! The marking on the back reads, PGH Statuary Co. Photos courtesy of noelmarie in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Statuary TV lamp Back view.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp value: rarity:
A free-spirited woman makes a striking pose on this chalkware TV lamp by L.M. Fielack. Photos courtesy of eBay seller, flyingtjr.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp Back view.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp As always, the Fielack name is prominently displayed.
Chalkware Ballerina Lamp value: rarity:
While unmarked, this plaster ballerina TV lamp is similar in style to the L.M. Fielack designs. Photos courtesy of eBay seller, ajglass.
Chalkware Ballerina Lamp Back view.
Chalkware Ballerina Lamp One more look.
Chalkware TV Lamp value: rarity:
I’m not sure if this is a Hawaiian motif or Egyptian (Cleopatra?), but this chalkware lamp isn’t found often. Maker unknown.
Chalkware TV Lamp Back view.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp value: rarity:
This representation of the holy family is a particularly lovely effort from L.M. Fielack. Photos courtesy of eBay seller, gallerybr.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp Back view.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp Most of the products of L.M. Fielack are marked clearly as such, but this one only says, ©L.M.F.
L.M. Fielack TV lamp A close-up.
R.N.S. Co. TV Lamp value: rarity:
Such indian themes were common with these early plaster lamps, R.N.S. making this particularly nice version. It is also larger than most, at 17″ tall. Photos courtesy of Kevin M. Wheeler.
R.N.S. Co. TV Lamp The back is marked, © R.N.S. Co. 1933 Chicago, ILL. G# 3880 1933.
N.Y.S. TV Lamp value: rarity:
Similar to chalkware ballerina TV lamps from other makers, this one is from N.Y.S.
N.Y.S. TV Lamp Back view.
N.Y.S. TV Lamp The back is marked, N.Y.S. © 1955 on the left…
N.Y.S. TV Lamp …and DeLorenzo on the right.
N.Y.S. TV Lamp This is how a TV lamp was meant to be seen!
