How do you clean the green glass shade?

Dust the outer glass with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid abrasive chemical sprays. They can leave a cloudy residue on the surface over time. If the white interior is dirty, wipe it gently using a damp cloth with mild soap. Dry it immediately to stop water dripping into the electrical fittings.

My lamp has a very short cable that looks quite frayed near the base. Is it safe to rewire these old fixtures or does that ruin them?

Dealers always recommend rewiring antique lighting. The original cloth or early rubber insulation dries out and crumbles, posing a serious fire risk. Modern fabric-covered flex is available in period-correct colours like brown or gold. A qualified electrician can thread this through the original brass column and fit a safer modern bulb holder. Updating the electrics makes the piece usable again. It will not hurt the appeal for buyers who want a functional desk light.

Can I change the shade angle?

Yes, most antique bankers lamps have an adjustable pivot point. You usually find a knurled brass screw on the side of the shade mount. Support the glass with one hand while loosening the screw slightly. Tilt the shade to your preferred angle, then tighten the screw back up to lock it in place.

The brass base on the lamp I bought is very dark and patchy. Some people say to polish it but others say to leave it alone. What is best?

Most dealers prefer to leave the tarnished surface exactly as it is. That dark, uneven patina took a century to develop and tells the history of the object. Aggressive polishing with metal cleaners strips away this history. It leaves the brass looking harsh and new, which takes away from the antique character. A light dusting is usually all it needs. If dirt is stuck in the decorative grooves, brush it out softly with a dry paintbrush.

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Antique Bankers Lamps

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A low-slung, brass-bodied desk light fitted with an adjustable glass shade, designed to cast a focused pool of illumination onto ledgers and paperwork while shielding the worker's eyes from the glare of early electric bulbs.