The PERFECT MARRIAGE

by Roy Heiger

Shown in the two photographs are a lamp and a lamp shade that I acquired recently, but separately, the shade at the Air Capital Convention in October 2005, and the lamp approximately one month later on eBay. The shade was one of several iridized, painted shades brought to the convention by Dick and Diane Weatherbee for use in Ron Britt’s and my seminar on Iridescent Lighting. The shade is of electric type with a 2 ¼ inch fitter. It is considerably larger than most electric shades, however, the bottom flaring to 8 inches, probably to accommodate a larger than usual bulb. I thought it was probably used for a ceiling light, or perhaps as the central light on a five light chandelier, or it could conceivably have been made for a floor lamp. The maker is unknown, although it is almost surely Czechoslovakian in origin. I was intrigued with the shade and bought it from the Weatherbees.

The lamp I found on eBay in early November, 2005. It came with a marigold Fine Rib shade (maker unknown) that looked too small for the lamp, and for the harp-like opening in which it was suspended. As soon as I saw the lamp I began wondering how it and the above shade would look together. I emailed the seller (Tom Lent in Sanford, Florida) and got the dimensions of the opening. They seemed perfect for my shade. When the bidding was over I was the happy owner. Rest assured, as soon as the lamp arrived I unpacked it, and put the shade in place, and WOW! A perfect marriage. The shade and lamp looked like they had been made for each other, an impression that was confirmed when I added a bulb and turned it on. I felt like the collector who finds a long sought-for stopper or lid, or one who completes a rare table set.

We have a number of things (too many by some estimates) that we have collected over the years, most of them acquired during 20 years in the army. They contribute to our “eclectic style” of decorating. Although we don’t have many true antiques (except for the carnival glass), the lamp fits in very well, a great looking desk lamp, and a perfect marriage of lamp and shade.