1935-1936 L.C. Doane's "Sight Light" Art Deco/Machine Age Desk Lamp

Description

Leroy C. Doane, according to one Web source, designed lamps widely attributed to Kem Weber and Walter Von Nessen. Isn't … more Leroy C. Doane, according to one Web source, designed lamps widely attributed to Kem Weber and Walter Von Nessen. Isn't it interesting how information and attribution spins and morphs?! Well, the man was clearly a design genius, that much we know from even a casual glance at this lamp. Amazingly enough, the company he founded continues today, no small feat (and run by a woman, too!).

Leroy's lamp enjoys the advantage of producing indirect lighting, a concept relatively new to the 1930s, and one which has largely surpassed its predecessor. Originally, when the electric bulb was invented, it was perceived as a "thing of beauty," and who in their right mind would want to obscure or hide it? Fabricated in the mid-1930s, this lamp has its design roots in Art Deco, but is moving right along to the Moderne.

The finish on this lamp is assuredly original. There's a bit of paint that's flown off the metal, the result of the heat generated by the bulb. This is not a uncommon situation with this lamp. Some purveyors of this light have disassembled it and chromed and/or brass-plated the metal for a certain "wow" effect, an effect which translates into a staggeringly high price. I'll leave it up to you whether to go down that route, which would surely be frowned upon by the gang at the Antique Road Show. On the other hand, if you want to experiment with producing a bronze-type paint to cover that bald spot, be my guest. I prefer my antiques "original," and this light is certainly an example of an all-original, excellent condition and iconic piece. It's marked "Sight Light" under the weight on the bottom.

This lamp also boast no dents, no dings in the metal. The cord and plug appear to be original and work fine, although the cord has atrophied somewhat (the plastic coating is lightly cracked). The lamp works fine and the light, as mentioned, is beautifully diffused.

Measurements: 13 1/2 inches high. The shade has a diameter of about 11 3/4, and the base, 7 1/4. less