Alternative Investing

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Enlightened: Tiffany Lamp Auction

Joseph Pisani
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Tiffany Lamp Auction

When is a lamp worth a fortune? When it’s made by Tiffany Studios. The design studio, started by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the 1880s, made colorful glass-leaded lamps until the 1930s, but it wasn't until the 1960s that the value of a Tiffany lamp increased tremendously as collectors bought up the fragile lamps that managed to survive in one piece. If you're looking to start a collection or cash in on a family heirloom, experts say that those that feature a floral design are a solid investment, as
Photo credit: Christie's

When is a lamp worth a fortune? When it’s made by Tiffany Studios.

The design studio, started by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the 1880s, made colorful glass-leaded lamps until the 1930s, but it wasn't until the 1960s that the value of a Tiffany lamp increased tremendously as collectors bought up the fragile lamps that managed to survive in one piece.

If you're looking to start a collection or cash in on a family heirloom, experts say that those that feature a floral design are a solid investment, as they tend to be more popular among collectors. One lamp made to look like purple wisteria, for example, is expected to fetch $400,000-$600,000 at a Christie’s auction Dec. 10.

Click on to check out other pricy Tiffany lamps up for auction.

Posted Nov. 15, 2010


»How To Spot An Authentic Tiffany Lamp

Wisteria Lamp

Estimate: $400,000-$600,000 Year: 1905 Dimensions: 26 ¾ inches high, 18 inch diameter.
Photo credit: Christie's

Estimate: $400,000-$600,000
Year: 1905
Dimensions: 26 ¾ inches high, 18 inches in diameter.


»How To Spot An Authentic Tiffany Lamp

Favrile Glass Desk Lamp

Estimate: $8,000-$12,000 Year: 1910 Dimensions: 24 inches high. 10-inch diameter.
Photo credit: Christie's

Estimate: $8,000-$12,000
Year: 1910
Dimensions: 24 inches high. 10-inch diameter.


»How To Spot An Authentic Tiffany Lamp

Dragonfly Lamp

Estimate: $40,000-$60,000 Year: 1910 Dimensions: 23 ¼ inches high, 16 ¾ inch diameter.
Photo credit: Christie's

Estimate: $40,000-$60,000
Year: 1910
Dimensions: 23 ¼ inches high, 16 ¾ inches in diameter.


»How To Spot An Authentic Tiffany Lamp

Rose Table Lamp

Estimate: $100,000-$150,000 Year: 1910 Dimensions: 32 ¼ inches high, 24 ½ inch diameter.
Photo credit: Christie's

Estimate: $100,000-$150,000
Year: 1910
Dimensions: 32 ¼ inches high, 24 ½ inches in diameter.


»How To Spot An Authentic Tiffany Lamp

Leaded Glass

Estimate: $60,000-$80,000 Year: 1910 Dimensions: 29 inches high, 22-inch diameter.
Photo credit: Christie's

Estimate: $60,000-$80,000
Year: 1910
Dimensions: 29 inches high, 22 inches in diameter.


»How To Spot An Authentic Tiffany Lamp

Snowball Lamp

Estimate: $400,000-$600,000 Year: 1905 Dimensions: 79 inches high, 25-inch diameter.
Photo credit: Christie's

Estimate: $400,000-$600,000
Year: 1905
Dimensions: 79 inches high, 25 inches in diameter.


»How To Spot An Authentic Tiffany Lamp

Swirling Leaf Lamp

Estimate: $15,000-$20,000 Year: 1910 Dimensions: 22 inches high, 18 ¾ inch diameter. *The pottery base is not made by Tiffany Studios. It was made by Grueby Pottery.
Photo credit: Christie's

Estimate: $15,000-$20,000
Year: 1910
Dimensions: 22 inches high, 18 ¾ inches in   diameter.

*The pottery base is not made by Tiffany Studios. It was made by Grueby Pottery.


»How To Spot An Authentic Tiffany Lamp

Poppy Lamp

Estimate: $80,000-$120,000 Year: 1895 Dimensions: 21 ¾ inches high, 16 ¾ inch diameter.
Photo credit: Christie's

Estimate: $80,000-$120,000
Year: 1895
Dimensions: 21 ¾ inches high, 16 ¾ inches in diameter.


»How To Spot An Authentic Tiffany Lamp

Laburnum Floor Lamp

Estimate: $200,000-$300,000 Year: 1905 Dimensions: 61 ¼ inches high, 30 ¾ inch diameter.
Photo credit: Christie's

Estimate: $200,000-$300,000
Year: 1905
Dimensions: 61 ¼ inches high, 30 ¾ inches diameter.


»How To Spot An Authentic Tiffany Lamp

Ten-Light Lily Lamp

Estimate: $20,000-$30,000 each Year: 1910 Dimensions: 20 ½ inches high.
Photo credit: Christie's

Estimate: $20,000-$30,000 each
Year: 1910
Dimensions: 20 ½ inches high.


»How To Spot An Authentic Tiffany Lamp