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Bookcase's Storied History In Question

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By JAY MOORE, Tribune correspondent

Published: September 8, 2007

I inherited my bookcase from my grandparents. I was told that it was purchased at an auction of the Hearst estate. It is a large, carved piece. What can you tell me about it?

E.K.

Tampa

This monumental, carved bookcase was made around the turn of the 20th century. It probably was commissioned and constructed to specification; it is not something that would have been bought through a mail-order catalog.

It appears to be made of mahogany, and the hand-carving was done to a high standard. It may have been part of a large suite.

The Hearst story is interesting but means little if it has not been documented.

I cannot identify the maker without a label or mark. It appears to be in excellent condition with an original or old finish. It would retail for at least $4,000.

My lamp was in my grandparents' home for as long as I can remember, which makes it about 50 years old. I have been told that it is a Tiffany-style lamp that may date to the early 1900s.

It has stained-glass panels inside a metal frame. It needs some work because the light bulb sockets are loose, as are some of the glass panels. Should I turn to a specialist in antique lamps?

D.D.

Richmond

It is a silhouette table lamp manufactured about 1930. Silhouette lamps, popular between approximately 1925 and 1935, feature shades made of cast metal with slag-glass inserts and metal bases.

For the most part, they were inexpensive lamps, often sold by mail order. In fact, the Larkin Co. offered them as premiums with the purchase of its soap products. Very few of the lamps are marked.

Most of the lamps have cast-iron or spelter shades and bases (some bases are lighted). Ones marked by well-known makers such as Miller sell for high prices.

This silhouette lamp would retail for about $295.

Most lamp repair shops can handle the simple repair, but try to retain the original light bulb sockets. To be on the safe side, have the lamp rewired. Many shops also can provide reproduction silk lamp cords.

Have a question about antiques? E-mail a complete description with a clear digital image (.jpg file) to athome@tampatrib.com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Regular mail can be sent with clear photographs (plain-paper prints or Polaroid

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