The banker's lamp is a style of electric desk or table lamp often characterized by a brass stand, green glass lamp shade, and pull-chain switch. Such a lamp was first patented in the United States under the Emeralite brand name. These types of lamp are frequently used in libraries throughout the United States, which have made the lamp popular through their presence in films and TV series. Other examples can feature different colours of glass and alternative switch types.
History
editThe first patent for a banker's lamp was filed on 11 May 1909 by Harrison D. McFaddin, and the lamps were produced and sold under the brand name Emeralite (emerald and light). Emeralite lamp shades were produced by the J. Schreiber & Neffen factory located in the town of Rapotín, Moravia.[1] Later competitors were sold as Greenalite, Verdelite, and Amronlite.[2]
A British version of the banker's lamp, a patent for which was filed in 1929, had a solid brass shade and reflector instead of glass. In addition, the positions of both the pedestal and the shade were adjustable.[3] Examples are commonly seen on the secondhand market.
See also
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References
edit- ^ Bleier, Bruce. "The Lamps of H. G. McFaddin & Co". Archived from the original on 31 May 2014. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
- ^ Elliot, Lynn. "Revival lighting of the 20s and 30s". Old-House Journal. 24 (2): 57.
- ^ Cash, Frederick Thomas. "Improvements in or relating to electric table lamps and the like". Espacenet. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
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