Bankers Desk Lamp Green Glass Shade

What is a bankers desk lamp? This is the lamp that has shown up in hundreds of movies, films, tv shows, and more. Everyone that has access to movies or television or classic film, has seen one of these green lampshaded bankers lamps. They have appeared in multiple cartoons, movies, sitcoms, and more but often go unnoticed used as a simple prop in the background on a desk. Aside from film and tv shows, bankers lamps were frequently used in libraries, banks (thus the name), and courtrooms.

Why were these lamps so popular? Well, the experts have said that the green glow of the light from the lampshade is easy on the eyes, soothing, and relaxing. When used by Hollywood for filming, the directors felt it added authenticity to the scene, and the rest is history. Unfortunately, you won’t see them as abundantly as you once could in the real world. This is what is helping to make them sought over and interesting to learn about.

History of the Bankers Desk Lamp

Even though society refers to it as a bankers lamp, its original name when it was created in 1909 was Emeralite due to the green color of the shade and the light thatit emitted. The company that manufactured the lamp was called H.G McFaddin & Co., but they no longer exist today even though their creation lives on. The banker’s desk lamp shade was originally available in a few different colors. However over time the green lamp became the one that stood the test of time and is the most recognizable.

What Materials Make The Desk Lamp

The materials of the banker’s desk lamp were made of easily available and simple materials. Its shade was made of glass that was created by using the cased glass technique. This was done by melding or fusing to different pieces of glass together and making them one. The white opal glass was used inside the lamp shade and the emerald green colored glass was on the outside. Once these fused together, they created one piece of glass that was used to shape the lampshade  we know today. These lampshades were placed on the brass or metal neck and base of the lamp. Glass and metal were the materials used to craft such a piece of American history.

As their early production continued, additions were added to the lamps. Furthermore these included add on’s  such as removable inkwells, pen holders, clocks, and even calendars. Many of these can still be found today in the antique market.

Placement and Popularity

Banker’s desk lamps could be placed on any desk, table, or countertop. They were sought after for their functionality and durability, easiness on the eyes as well as other reasons. They gained their popularity in the years prior to World War II. Once the war hit, it was hard for the company to obtain glass from Europe causing changes to the design and popularity of the lamp. By 1962 the company which had been sold and renamed multiple times went under ending the creation of the original banker’s lamp.

While there are still companies that produce reproduction banker’s lamps, the originals are highly sought after. The antique and collectors markets are a growing industry with an appetite for these lamps. If having a piece of history is what you seek, then be prepared to spend a good amount of money.  If you are lucky enough to find an original, authentic banker’s desk lamp it will have a price tag to reflect its history. But if you aren’t as concerned with obtaining an antique or original bankers lamp, there are several companies that do create replicas in today’s society.

Although owning an original banker’s desk lamp would be a wonderful addition to any home or office, a reproduction of one could be just as valuable to you.