Antique floor lamp

I have a lamp I am trying to find more information on. In the bottom it says "salem bros NY #37". I have searched the web and found similar lamps but not this one. I would like to know if I should clean the grim off it or leave it as patina. Should I replace the cord? What lamp shade was originally with it, and of course what is it worth?

 

It is called a bridge lamp and dates to about 1930 (give or take). I would clean it and put a coat of paste wax on it to preserve and protect it. A new cord is a must. I used to sell these refurbished with a shade in the $100- 150.00 range regularly here in semi-rural Midwest at retail. I would be very lucky to get that these days, as values have dropped. You don't necessarily need to find your exact lamp. Values are pretty much the same if comparing similarly ornate lamps. I see prices for some on ebay are better than what I could get locally.

I might mention that you often see these being sold with a glass shade. Originally, most had a paper or cloth shade. Dealers have fitted them with the glass shades, as most buyers don't care about originality (or don't know the difference) and are drawn to the configuration with a pretty glass shade. Your lamp should be heavy enough for a glass shade. Many are not and are prone to being top-heavy with one.

 

Thank you for the reply. Yes, it has a heavy weight on the bottom and is quite sturdy.

 

Welcome!
Please always use the full image button.
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Thank you.

 

Thank you. I'm a newbie here.

 

Most of us did this.
I have begged for that option to be the default.
It's a royal PITA to look at photos on a phone.