Cushman Table-lamp Patent Applied prototype?

Found a unique Patent Applied 3-29 Cushman table lamp. Has hand written marks on the bottom as well as wood inlaid stamp Patent Appr For. Predates the oval brass labels. Am guessing it is 1932 as it has the mission style design features; less thick, less rounding of the edges, and the dark finish as opposed to the modern reddish orange tint of Herman De Vries designs?

Could not find it in the 1933 catalog but found a design a little different (Maybe they passed on production of this concept?). I love it; found a small lampshade and it fits in well with the old mission couch we have. Will try to upload pics. now.

Am hoping the expert Mr. Drew is kind enough to help me out with the facts. Thanks.

 

Source->

 

Google has this to say:

This piece was manufactured between 1933 and 1936. [1]
Dating Breakdown

• Line Introduction: The "Cushman Colonial Creations" brand stamp explicitly dates the piece to 1933 or later, which is when the H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company first launched this specific line designed by Herman DeVries. [1]
• Model Number: The stamped code 3-29 designates this as the Studio Bridge model (a specialized floor lamp design featuring a small built-in wooden tray). Production records for this specific model number date its creation strictly to the mid-1930s (1933–1936)

 

Nice Find @sabre123 .............

 

Thank you for your info; I truly appreciate the time, effort and info. I thought mine might be a year earlier 1932 and a patent applied for design they then changed when it went into production. I tried to search the patent on line but had no luck. The height is 3 inches shorter than the 1933 catalog list and the wiring is for an above bulb fitting (like the others featured on the 1933 catalog page).

 

I'd think the fixture can be made to face downward...as no shade seems practical in this configuration..

 

I guess our concern would be changing the design as made for a Patent application and hunted around for a small shade. Check the first picture posted; we found a little shade that works great. Having the bulb above was also a feature from the same catalog picture someone was kind enough to post. Thanks for the posts folks!

 

@Drew

 

Having the bulb above was also a feature from the same catalog picture someone was kind enough to post...........

Indeed.....but not for this model..

 

I looked in the 1932 catalog on line and this lamp table was not featured. This is possibly a 1932 Patent applied for table lamp unit; I believe they changed the design before it went into production in 1933, as per the catalog photo to reflect the bulb under style. Began researching on the US Patent website but it unfortunately is less organized than when I used to research patents on line in the past. Hoping to find the definitive facts on my little table. I will reach out to the Museum in Bennington and see if they can help.

 

Here is a 1939 catalog that has several different similar production style elements. I wonder if mine is a "never made it to production" design.

 

Yes, correct info. This one is missing it's rectangular 'Cushman Colonial Creation' metal tag they used on all pieces until 1941 (relaced by the oval tag). Thankfully virtually all Cushman Creations is incised with name and model number. As far as the Pat. applied mark . . it's hard to say - this piece could be very early in the new line, 1933. Cushman was very secretive and proud of their eight part finishing process, and may have been discouraging copy cats (many producers did this. Within a couple of years other furniture companies were doing just that, but none were as nice as Cushman in quality. Very briefly in 1933-34 they made some second label furniture for other firms (same as Cushman models), but their line soon took of and there was no need to do this any longer, I've bought and sold Cushman for 35 years and currently have about 20 pieces.

 

PS; Marley loves Cushman as well . . . in this case a 'Woodstock cushion armchair' model from 1941.

 

Did the pillow come with the chair? Or special for Marley?

 

Hi Drew, the Bennington Museum did not have the 1933 catalog. Love the chair and the furry owner. The pillow plaids are really nice. I am very happy to have the patent applied for; my Grandfather made many prototypes for various New England manufacturers. I have several of the "1st one made" (fell into tollbox) then the prototype was made. So the table lamp is right at home here.

 

Great. Yes, the Patent applied for is an interesting detail on your piece, I've not seen any Cushman with this marking, and I have seen quite a few pieces in my day. I've loved this furniture from the 30's . . . the history of the company and the DeVries designs are just so interesting. If you ever see a catalog from the 30's, I'd grab it, they really give you the sense of what they were all about . . factory photos, the full line offered, just good history. Enjoy !

 

Further history; a view to production - early catalog page.