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ID #SA1226882
FOR SALE
£1,275
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Brass Table Lamp Inspired by Fritz Lang's Film Metropolis
For sale by David Griffith Antiques
for sale €1,492     $1,619
£1,275
David Griffith Antiques

David Griffith Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2019
Browse dealers 180 items
  • About Us
    Specialising in library, hall and club room furniture, leather seating and writing tables, campaign and travelling furniture.
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Id #SA1226882
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Brass Table Lamp Inspired by Fritz Lang's Film Metropolis

1920 - 1940
Description

Extraordinary re-wired brass table lamp inspired by the character Maschinenmensch (machine-human) from Fritz Lang's film Metropolis. (c.1930)

Date of Manufacture

David Griffith Antiques has dated this Metropolis Brass Table Lamp to the 1930s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
22.2cm (8.74")
Width
14.6cm (5.75")
Depth
11.4cm (4.49")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1226882
Dealers Internal Reference
101833
Dealers Notes

Please supply item no. and postcode for delivery quote.

Shop hours: Wednesday and Saturday: 9.30 - 16.30. Or by appointment.

Visit us - www.davidgriffithantiques.com

Contact us - info@davidgriffithantiques.com

Description
Extraordinary re-wired brass table lamp inspired by the character Maschinenmensch (machine-human) from Fritz Lang's film Metropolis. (c.1930)
Date of Manufacture

David Griffith Antiques has dated this Metropolis Brass Table Lamp to the 1930s.

Height
22.2cm (8.74")
Width
14.6cm (5.75")
Depth
11.4cm (4.49")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1226882
Dealers Internal Ref
101833
David Griffith Antiques
David Griffith Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2019

Specialising in library, hall and club room furniture, leather seating and writing tables, campaign and travelling furniture.

Dealer Profile

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

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A polished brass table lamp featuring a stylised human-machine mask mounted in front of a circular dish reflector base.
1 / 11
Archive I A polished brass table lamp featuring a stylised human-machine mask mounted in front of a circular dish reflector base.

Brass Table Lamp Inspired by Fritz Lang's Film Metropolis

Archive II A polished brass table lamp featuring a stylised human-machine mask mounted in front of a circular dish reflector base. View II
Archive III A polished brass table lamp featuring a stylised human-machine mask mounted in front of a circular dish reflector base. View III
Archive IV A polished brass table lamp featuring a stylised human-machine mask mounted in front of a circular dish reflector base. View IV
Archive V A polished brass table lamp featuring a stylised human-machine mask mounted in front of a circular dish reflector base. View V
Archive VI A polished brass table lamp featuring a stylised human-machine mask mounted in front of a circular dish reflector base. View VI
Archive VII A polished brass table lamp featuring a stylised human-machine mask mounted in front of a circular dish reflector base. View VII
Archive VIII A polished brass table lamp featuring a stylised human-machine mask mounted in front of a circular dish reflector base. View VIII
Archive IX A polished brass table lamp featuring a stylised human-machine mask mounted in front of a circular dish reflector base. View IX
Archive X A polished brass table lamp featuring a stylised human-machine mask mounted in front of a circular dish reflector base. View X
Archive XI A polished brass table lamp featuring a stylised human-machine mask mounted in front of a circular dish reflector base. View XI
Enlarged Archival View
David Griffith Antiques

David Griffith Antiques
Telephone 020 7226 1126 or 07976 800 062
Location
17 Camden Passage
Islington
London
N1 8EA
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/davidgriffithantiques
Verified Since Aug 2019
Items For Sale 180
David Griffith Antiques
David Griffith Antiques
Verified Since Aug 2019
View Dealer Info
Location: 17 Camden Passage, Islington, London, N1 8EA, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/davidgriffithantiques
Verified
Aug 2019
For Sale
180
A polished brass table lamp featuring a stylised human-machine mask mounted in front of a circular dish reflector base.
Brass Table Lamp Inspired by Fritz Lang's Film Metropolis
Ref: SA1226882
A polished brass table lamp featuring a stylised human-machine mask mounted in front of a circular dish reflector base.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectTable Lamps
  • Period1920 - 1940
  • StyleArt Deco
  • MaterialBrass, Fabric Flex
  • ColourWarm Gold
  • MotifsStylised mask face, Circular reflector dish, Stepped base plate, Braided fabric cable
  • SizeH 22.2 cm (9 in) x W 14.6 cm (6 in) x D 11.4 cm (4 in)

This 1930 Art Deco table lamp takes inspiration from the character Maschinenmensch in the film Metropolis. The piece consists of a polished brass structure finished in warm gold, comprising a stylised human-machine mask mounted before a large circular reflector dish. The assembly stands upon a stepped base plate, held by an angled support with visible mounting screws and a brass adjustment knob beneath the chin. A dark braided fabric cable extends from the rear, connected to internal electrical wiring. Surface variations include subtle darker patina spots across the reflector dish and minor blemishes on the metallic face. Measuring 22.2 cm high, 14.6 cm wide, and 11.4 cm deep, the lamp sits compactly on smaller furniture surfaces. It serves as task or ambient illumination when positioned on an office desk, library table, or living room sideboard, contributing metallic detail and thematic design to domestic interiors.

FAQs

Machine Age and Art Deco lighting is defined by geometric forms, streamlined contours, and a celebrated focus on industrial materials such as polished brass, chrome, and bakelite. Emerging in the 1920s and 1930s, these designs often mirrored modern technological advancements, architectural skyscrapers, and avant-garde cinema aesthetics.

Authentic period lighting from this era predominantly utilises cast or spun brass for the structural body and shades, often paired with braided fabric electrical flexes and internal ceramic bulb holders. Brass was favoured for its durability, workability, and rich warm sheen.

Genuine vintage brass pieces display characteristic surface patination, subtle signs of age around joins, cast casting marks, and historical wiring configurations. Original fixtures often show slight variations from hand-finishing processes rather than perfect machine uniformity.

A sculptural brass lamp functions as a focal point on an executive office desk, sideboard, or side table. Pairing metallic lighting with dark timber, matte painted surfaces, or minimalist decor allows the reflective form to stand out while adding warmth to contemporary settings.

Dust regularly with a dry, soft microfiber cloth to prevent debris accumulation. To preserve natural oxidisation and patina, avoid harsh chemical polishes; if a high shine is preferred, use a specialist brass cleaner sparingly with a clean cloth.
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