Posted 10 years ago
jujubob
(2 items)
I just inherited this lamp from my step-father. We know it's very old as the Greist Manufacturing company quit manufacturing in the 30's and were mainly into sewing machine parts. It's very heavy, but not sure what it is made of; we're assuming brass, but not certain. It is 16" high x 8-3/4" wide. It works perfectly. Should we try to clean it. We decide to polish the top and it looks like brass, but hubby says it's not. The bottom is cast iron from what I can gather. Since I wanted to use it I wanted the top to be a little bright...am very pleased with the outcome.
That is a neat lamp.
The finish looks good in the photos. I would leave it myself. Once it is gone, it is gone. ;o)
We did decide to clean only the top part since it's not going anywhere except our own computer desk for many years to come. Love the contrast...the bottom part is of a heavier metal.
Ouch :(
The picture on far right was after the cleaning...brought out the brass color or
whatever metal it is. I don't think it takes away from the beauty.
Collector-wise, cleaning takes away value.
Decorator-wise, the fad of "antiqued" has been here since the 1970s, and they usually want it original.
Personally, I'd have left it alone.
As for who is the true owner of it, s/he should have the say.
The true owner, my stepfather passed away last March at the ripe old age of 94. It's actually turning back to it's original color, so no harm done. I'm not a collector, just wanted it as a keepsake and reminder of him.