A 2026 Guide by Sellingantiques
Brass Gimbal Table Lamp by William Mcgeoch, Rewired and Pat Tested, 1930
Priced at £145 from Hodgson Antiques
Early antique table lamps relied on oil or kerosene to produce light before regional electrical grids expanded.
Often converted from older gas fixtures later on in their working life.
Look for the transition period in the late nineteenth century when electricity first became standard in urban homes across the country.
Cord holes drilled clumsily through the brass base usually point to early domestic electrification by owners wanting modern convenience.
Tiffany Studios produced documented leaded glass variants in New York during the early twentieth century.
W.A.S. Benson operated in London, designing striking table lamps using copper and brass for the Arts and Crafts market.
Many provincial foundries turned out thousands of unsigned brass lamps for ordinary households.
19th C Brass Lamp Base, 1850
Priced at £330 from Mytton Antiques - Jerrard Nares
The 2026 retail price guide for Antique Table Lamps is drawn from a proprietary archive of over 1.1 million retail prices indexed by Sellingantiques since 2003. This guide relies exclusively on their own internal data; no external sources or auction records are used.
Analysing nearly 25 years of UK antique market history alongside current retail values, the data indicates that typical UK retail prices for Antique Table Lamps range between £300 and £1,500. Entry-level prices generally fall under £300 and premium examples upwards of £1,500.
Adjustable necks allow the light pool to be directed precisely where it is needed for reading.
Heavy cast feet keep the whole structure from tipping over easily.
Glass shades often feature a fluted edge or a cased inner layer to reflect more light downwards onto the working surface.
C. 1920 Superb Quality Antique French Amphora Lamp Onyx Gilt Metal Paw Feet, 1920
Priced at £399 from Artsonline
Spelter components were cast in moulds and then chemically patinated to mimic the dark finish of solid bronze.
Base sections are generally held together by a single long threaded rod running vertically up the central column.
Blown glass shades were formed into wooden moulds before being hand-finished at the rim by the maker.
"Some oil examples were cleverly designed to slot directly into a separate wall bracket to save space."
"Heavy brass bases often feature intricate floral casting on the underside where no one would ever normally look."
"Counterweights in adjustable reading lamps were sometimes cast into the shape of acorns or classical urns."
Based on almost 25 years of Sellingantiques UK antique market data, Antique Table Lamps appeared 13943 times (out of 1,100,000 antiques) which gives it a rarity score of 6/100.
This score measures scarcity within the Sellingantiques archive only and is not a survey of the entire antiques market, so these statistics may not be indicative of the general availability of Antique Table Lamps elsewhere.
Most antique table lamps will need modern wiring installed before use. The original brass bulb holder can often be retained, but the internal core is usually swapped out.
Seek out a qualified electrician who handles older lighting. You'll want them to thread new cloth-covered flex up the central column and ensure the metal base is properly earthed.
Leave the dark finish alone if you can, and don't be tempted to scrub it. That dull surface is an acquired patina that builds up naturally over decades of exposure to the air.
Stripping it back with harsh polish leaves the brass looking raw. Many buyers prefer the undisturbed surface as it suits the age of the piece.
Yes, replacing a damaged shade is standard practice.
You just need to measure the gallery diameter across the bottom opening to ensure the new glass sits flush without rattling. Fabric shades sit on a harp or attach directly to the bulb, so it is mostly a matter of matching proportions.
Drilling a hole right through an intact oil font ruins the vessel. It stops it from ever holding fluid again and alters the structure permanently.
There are conversion burners available that screw directly into the original threaded collar at the top. The electrical flex drops straight down from the burner without needing a hole drilled through the side.
Please note: This Antique Table Lamps guide and its associated pricing data are provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute formal financial, investment, or appraisal advice and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for any commercial activity, purchasing, or sales decisions. Sellingantiques.co.uk accepts no liability for any actions taken in reliance on this information. Always consult with a qualified professional or independent appraiser.
