Collectibles Corner - Vintage TV Lamps

TV lamps are one of those things that had a short heyday - from around 1950 to 1960 - and quickly became obsolete. When televisions were first produced the picture was poor, so most people watched TV in the dark, to be able to see the screen better. But soon worry about watching TV in the dark hurting people's eyes became rampant, and the TV lamp was born.

They are designed to sit on top of the TV and are usually lit from the back, to help provide some indirect light, but not enough to interfere with the screen. Once screen technology improved in the early 1960's, the need for TV lamps diminished and they were no longer made.

Vintage Deco Ceramic TV Lamp Maiden & Fawn Deer

Vintage 50's Black & Grey Panther TV Lamp w/ Planter

Vintage 1959 Lane & Co. Mallard Duck TV Lamp

Most lamps were ceramic, but they were also made of porcelain, chalkware, plaster, and other materials. The most popular lamps were figurals - especially animals. Dogs, Deer, Birds, Butterflies, Horses, and Panthers are very common. Also popular were Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs, Dancers, Flowers, Leaves, Fruit, Shells, Western themes, Oriental themes, and many more.

Over 75 companies manufactured TV lamps, including Haeger, California Originals, Gonder, Maddux, Hollywood Ceramics, McCoy, Treasure Craft, and others.

Vintage 50's Nautical Ship TV Lamp Airbrush Grey Rose

Vintage Black Racing Horses TV LAMP 1950's

Vintage Collie Dog TV LAMP By HAEGER

Finding TV lamps is easier now with the internet - there is always a decent variety on eBay and other sites where folks sell antiques and collectibles, and they also turn up at flea markets and antique malls as well. Look for lamps that are free of chips, cracks, and repairs, as always!

Vintage Oriental Chalkware TV LAMP w/Fiberglass Shade

Vintage TV Lamp White Swan Bird 1950's

Would you like to know more about Vintage TV Lamps?

TV Lamps to Light the World Identification and Value Guide
List Price: $29.95 - Our Price: $18.95 + FREE SHIPPING!

Perched on top of televisions across America from the 1940s into the 1970s. Because early television sets had small screens and dark pictures, it was feared that extensive viewing in a dark room would cause eye damage - yet too much direct light diminished the picture quality. Thus the birth of TV lamps. Featuring decorative forms of animals or other objects with bulbs in back or inside, these devices have become hot collectibles.

More than 525 color photos accompanied by descriptions, color, forms, measurements, and current collector values are presented in this book. It is a great historical reference for museums, historical societies, collectors, auctioneers, dealers, and others curious to learn about TV lamps and their evolution. Histories of 103 manufacturers located in the U.S., Japan, Italy, and Holland are included, as well as forewords and photos from two of the most advanced TV lamp collectors in the country. This book is certain to enlighten you on all aspects concerning the world of TV lamps.