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ID #SA1223444
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£650
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Pair of American Cast Iron Owl Lamps, C.1930s — Converted from Andirons
Whites Antiques
for sale €761     $826
£650
Whites Antiques

Whites Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2023
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Pair of American Cast Iron Owl Lamps, C.1930s — Converted from Andirons

1920 - 1940
For Sale by Whites Antiques
Description

Pair of American Cast Iron Owl Lamps, c.1930s — Converted from Andirons with Striking Blue Glass Eyes

A charming and unusual pair of 1930s American cast iron owl lamps, originally andirons, now beautifully converted. Their bright blue glass eyes and impressive scale give them real presence and character.

Full Description

A wonderfully characterful pair of American cast iron owl lamps dating to the 1930s. These began life as andirons — the decorative supports used in traditional fireplaces — and have since been sensitively converted into lamps, retaining all the sculptural charm of their original form.

Each owl is cast with excellent detail, from the textured feathers to the expressive posture, and both feature striking bright blue glass eyes that catch the light beautifully. Their scale is particularly impressive, giving them a strong decorative impact whether lit or unlit.

The conversion has been carried out with care, allowing them to function as practical lamps while preserving their original integrity as cast iron decorative pieces. They make a playful yet sophisticated addition to a study, hallway, or eclectic interior.

Details

Period: c.1930s

Origin: USA

Material: Cast iron with blue glass eyes

Dimensions: H 52 cm (to top of bulb holder) | W 30 cm | D 12 cm

Condition: Very good overall; age‑appropriate wear to the iron; wiring updated for use

Provenance: American private collection

Styling Notes

These lamps bring instant personality to a room. Their scale and sculptural quality make them ideal for flanking a console, sitting on a sideboard, or adding a touch of whimsy to a study or library. The blue glass eyes add a subtle glow when lit, enhancing their already striking presence.

Delivery

Delivery is not included. Please use the Delivery Quote tab prior to purchase. Collection from our Sussex showroom is welcome, and nationwide couriers can be arranged on request.

Physical Dimensions
Height
52cm (20.47")
Width
30cm (11.81")
Depth
12cm (4.72")
Declaration

Whites Antiques has dated these Cast Iron Owl Lamps to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1223444
Dealers Internal Reference
JW159
Dealers Notes

We do not include delivery in our prices as this is dependent upon many factors such as whether it is mainland or overseas. The following options are available to you:-

• You can arrange your own collection from our address

• You can fill in the delivery request option

• You can email us for further information if there is more than one item

• Proovia Delivery offer a 2 man delivery system

Description
Pair of American Cast Iron Owl Lamps, c.1930s — Converted from Andirons with Striking Blue Glass Eyes
A charming and unusual pair of 1930s American cast iron owl lamps, originally andirons, now beautifully converted.
Whites Antiques

Their bright blue glass eyes and impressive scale give them real presence and character.

fig 1. A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths.
fig 1. Pair of American Cast Iron Owl Lamps, C.1930s — Converted from Andirons

Full Description

A wonderfully characterful pair of American cast iron owl lamps dating to the 1930s. These began life as andirons — the decorative supports used in traditional fireplaces — and have since been sensitively converted into lamps, retaining all the sculptural charm of their original form.

fig 2. A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths.
fig 2. Pair of American Cast Iron Owl Lamps, C.1930s — Converted from Andirons

Each owl is cast with excellent detail, from the textured feathers to the expressive posture, and both feature striking bright blue glass eyes that catch the light beautifully. Their scale is particularly impressive, giving them a strong decorative impact whether lit or unlit.

fig 3. A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths.
fig 3. Pair of American Cast Iron Owl Lamps, C.1930s — Converted from Andirons

The conversion has been carried out with care, allowing them to function as practical lamps while preserving their original integrity as cast iron decorative pieces. They make a playful yet sophisticated addition to a study, hallway, or eclectic interior.

fig 4. A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths.
fig 4. Pair of American Cast Iron Owl Lamps, C.1930s — Converted from Andirons

Details

Period: c.1930s

Origin: USA

Material: Cast iron with blue glass eyes

Dimensions: H 52 cm (to top of bulb holder) | W 30 cm | D 12 cm

Condition: Very good overall; age‑appropriate wear to the iron; wiring updated for use

fig 5. A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths.
fig 5. Pair of American Cast Iron Owl Lamps, C.1930s — Converted from Andirons

Provenance: American private collection

Styling Notes

These lamps bring instant personality to a room. Their scale and sculptural quality make them ideal for flanking a console, sitting on a sideboard, or adding a touch of whimsy to a study or library. The blue glass eyes add a subtle glow when lit, enhancing their already striking presence.

Delivery

Delivery is not included. Please use the Delivery Quote tab prior to purchase. Collection from our Sussex showroom is welcome, and nationwide couriers can be arranged on request.

Height
52cm (20.47")
Width
30cm (11.81")
Depth
12cm (4.72")
Date of Manufacture

Whites Antiques has dated these Cast Iron Owl Lamps to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1223444
Dealers Internal Ref
JW159
Whites Antiques
Whites Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2023

White's antiques collective is the perfect resource for both trade and private clients

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Whites Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths.
1 / 12
Archive I A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths.

Pair of American Cast Iron Owl Lamps, c.1930s — Converted from Andirons

Archive II A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths. View II
Archive III A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths. View III
Archive IV A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths. View IV
Archive V A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths. View V
Archive VI A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths. View VI
Archive VII A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths. View IX
Archive X A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths. View X
Archive XI A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths. View XI
Archive XII A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07717 321455
Location
Unit 10 The Vinery
Arundel Road
Poling
West Sussex
BN18 9PY
United Kingdom
Verified Since May 2023
Items For Sale 134
Items Sold 431
Whites Antiques
Whites Antiques
Verified Since May 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Unit 10 The Vinery, Arundel Road, Poling, West Sussex, BN18 9PY, United Kingdom
Verified
May 2023
For Sale
134
Sold
431
A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths.
Pair of American Cast Iron Owl Lamps, c.1930s — Converted from Andirons
Ref: SA1223444
A pair of dark cast iron owl table lamps with bright blue glass eyes, perched on branch bases mounted on black plinths.
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Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Andirons, historically used in fireplaces to support burning logs, were frequently crafted with decorative metal motifs. During the early twentieth century, craftsmen began converting heavily patinated or figurative iron andirons into electric table lamps by adding electrical conduits and weighted bases.

Pieces from this period were primarily constructed from heavy sand-cast iron, often finished with dark patination or bronze wash. Accents frequently included translucent coloured glass inserts for eyes or cabochons, mounted onto timber or metal plinths.

Authentic pieces display distinct casting seam lines, substantial physical weight, and natural surface oxidation or wear in high-touch areas. The glass elements in period pieces are typically press-moulded with minor inclusions rather than modern uniform plastic.

Cast iron novelty lamps work exceptionally well as accent pieces on dark wood sideboards, hallway consoles, or within bookshelves. Pair them with neutral woven lampshades to balance the heavy visual texture of the patinated metal.

Dust cast iron regularly with a soft, dry cloth or soft-bristled brush. Avoid using water or liquid cleaners on patinated iron to prevent rust, and clean glass eye inserts gently with a dry cotton swab.
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