How do I tell Victorian from Edwardian lamps?

Victorian examples often favour ornate porcelain bodies, heavy brass castings, and richly coloured or painted glass fonts. They lean toward dramatic historical revival styles. Edwardian pieces tend to introduce sleeker brass forms, onyx columns, and simpler, lighter glass shades that reflect the approaching twentieth century.

Are the shades original?

Glass shades suffered heavy breakage over the decades, meaning many surviving lamps carry replacement shades from a similar period. Matching the collar size, glass tone, and etching style helps determine whether a shade belongs harmoniously to the base.

How should I clean a brass lamp?

Gentle dusting with a soft cloth preserves the historic surface patination that develops over more than a century. Harsh metal polishes strip away the aged character and should be avoided to keep the original finish intact.