1960s Edward Alden Studios Reading Lamp

Description

This smaller lamp was found in a lot described as "Seven Electric Predominantly Patinated Metal Table Lamps with Two Candle … more This smaller lamp was found in a lot described as "Seven Electric Predominantly Patinated Metal Table Lamps with Two Candle Holders" with no others descriptions, but stood out to me because it's, well, cute. Unfamiliar with the shape, I soon discovered that it's styled after candle lamps from 1800s England that were spring loaded to adjust the height of the candle as it burned with a reflector focusing the light. So is this an electrified conversion of one of those or a reproduction meant to be electrical? Removing the felt bottom revealed two important things. One is found in the condition details and the other is the engraving "For Edward Alden". No clue who Edward Alden is/was, but I do now. Apparently, Edward Alden's namesake studio Edward Alden Studios was mostly known for lamp shades (beautiful materials/excellent construction) and Mr. Alden himself had a lamp collection - a collection covering 5 centuries. In 1961, he introduced lamps based on his own that were cast in brass in Hong Kong and rubbed with beeswax until they achieved a certain patina. Most featured his famous shades; however, not all, and this one is a likely candidate as part of that collection. If it's from a different collection, it's certainly based on a lamp of yesteryear that he very well could have owned personally. less