Rare Orange Tree table lamp, reverse painted glass, patinated metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, early 20th century.
“Puffy lamp” can be translated as “plump” or “lush” lamps. This is the name of table lamps that the American company “Pairpoint” from New Bedford, Massachusetts, began producing in 1890. Puffy lamps received this funny name due to the unusual three-dimensional design of their lampshades.
The voluminous relief lampshades for Puffy table lamps were created from molded glass. The molds for the lampshades were treated with beeswax to prevent the appearance of seams and small defects on the glass blank. Then they were treated with frosting, and then painted, usually on the inside (reverse painting). At the final stage, the painted lampshades were fired to fix the painting. The paint sintered with the base, forming a bright decor that is resistant to damage. The shade design was often combined with the metal base design, as in the Orange Tree or Owl lamps.
The shade shapes were standardized and had a specific name, such as Oxford, Devonshire, and Chestnut. But the painting on the shapes varied and could include complex landscapes, birds, butterflies, fruit, or flowers. Rose and hummingbird decoration, for example, could be found on both the Stratford and Devonshire shade shapes.
The Puffy lamp designs were patent protected. On the inside of the shade of this lamp is the stamp “Pairpoint” Corp. Patented July 2, 1901″.
Table lamp with shade Devonshire, reverse painted glass, patinated metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, circa 1910.
Antique experts distinguish three types of Puffy lamps: table lamps, boudoir lamps, and candle lamps. Table lamps have the largest diameter shades. Boudoir lamps are smaller than table lamps in height and shade diameter. The smallest diameter of the lampshade is that of the candle lamp, and its shape is already clear from its name.
Table lamp with ‘Stratford’ shade, reverse painted glass, gilt metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, circa 1910.
Products such as the Puffy lamp combine both artistic glass and artistically made frames. Pairpoint Mfg Co was formed by the merger in 1894 of the glass production of the Mount Washington Glass Company (founded in 1837 by Deming Jarvis) and the Pairpoint Mfg Co, a manufacturer of silverware since 1880. The company continues to operate successfully today.
Patent drawing for a shaped glass lampshade designed by Albert Steffin. Purchased by Pairpoint on July 9, 1907.Lamp Bouquet of Roses, reverse painted glass, patinated metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, early 20th century.Table lamp with shade Torino with image of dancing couple, reverse painted glass, patinated metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, early 20th century.Table lamp with tulip shade, reverse painted glass, metal base decorated with cloisonné enamel, Pairpoint Mfg Co, 1910 1920.Butterfly Candle Lamp, Reverse Painted Glass, Brass, H 51cm, Pairpoint Mfg Co, Circa 1915.Candle lamps with floral shades, reverse painted glass, mahogany, Pairpoint Mfg Co, 1910 1920.Boudoir lamp Blossoming apple tree, reverse painted glass, patinated metal, height 30 cm, Pairpoint Mfg Co, early 20th century.Boudoir lamp with winter landscape, frosted glass with painting, gilt metal, height 36 cm, Pairpoint Mfg Co, circa 1913.This lamp uses a direct method of painting the lampshade.Floral Garland Table Lamp with Tulip Decoration on Metal Base, 63cm H, Pairpoint Mfg Co, circa 1915.Apple tree lamp by Pairpoint, reverse painted glass, bronze, circa 1910.Rare Begonia table lamp, molded frosted glass with reverse painting, patinated metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, early 20th century.Table lamp Tulip, reverse painted glass, patinated metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, early 20th century.Lilac table lamp, reverse painted glass, gilded metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, early 20th century.Table lamp, reverse painted glass, gilded metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, early 20th century.Geranium table lamp, reverse painted glass, gilded metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, early 20th century.Table lamp painted with roses, reverse painted glass, patinated metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, circa 1910.Garland Bouquet Table Lamp, Reverse Painted Glass, Patinated Bronze, Pairpoint Mfg Co, Early 20th Century.White Poppies Table Lamp, Reverse Painted Glass, Silver Plated Metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, circa 1905Table lamp with roses and butterflies, reverse painted glass, patinated metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, circa 1907.Pansy Table Lamp, Reverse Painted Glass, Patinated Metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, Circa 1915Boudoir Light Tulips, painted and reversed glass, patinated metal, Pairpoint Mfg Co, 1910 29.Lamp Bouquet of Roses, reverse painted glass, patinated metal, circa 1915.Table lamp with Venetian style shade, reverse painted glass, patinated metal, circa 1920.Table lamp with flowers and butterflies, reverse painted glass, patinated metal, early 20th century.
