How do you clean old Stiffel lamps

Dust the lamp every one to two weeks using an all-purpose duster. … Moisten a microfiber cloth with metal polish. … Wipe the damp cloth over the base of the lamp, rubbing in small circular motions to restore the polished shine of the lamp.

How do you clean a Stiffel brass lamp?

Fill a sink half full of hot water and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap to it. Avoid using any more water than needed to prevent damaging the lamp. Wipe the Stiffel lamp with the cloth to remove the soap residue, and then dry it thoroughly using a clean towel.

Are Stiffel lamps worth anything?

At Justcollecting.com when discussing Vintage Stiffel Lamps they are said to rarely hit auction houses and only usually go for between $100 and $500.

Can I use Brasso on Stiffel lamps?

The first thing to do to repolish a Stiffel is to remove the lacquer. I’ve used a product called Gillespie Brass Refurbisher with success. Tarni-shield copper and brass polish will work but requires a lot of rubbing.

How do you clean a tarnished lamp?

Make a mixture of equal portions of white vinegar, flour and salt. Mix it well and apply it to the surface of the tarnished lamps. Let it sit for at least an hour. Now rinse it with warm water and let it dry.

Where are Stiffel lamps manufactured?

Proudly all of our products are still made in America, at our 40,000 square foot facility in Linden, NJ. If you take pride in possessing the unusual as well as the finest, then Stiffel should be your choice in lamps. Precise craftsmanship and magnificent design combine to make Stiffel Lamps the world’s finest.

How can you tell if a lamp is Stiffel brass?

A Clue in the Base Stiffel lamps often contain a foil signature decal on the bottom of the lamp’s metal or high-quality wood base. Look for “Stiffel Lamp Company,” “SLC” or “Stiffel” on the decal or etched into the bottom of the lamp’s base.

How do you clean a silver lamp?

Add a tablespoon of cooking soda to the boiling water. Add the tarnish silverware carefully. Continue boiling for 2-5 mins. Take out carefully using metal tongs, Clean the intricate parts with a metal scrubber or a brush if needed.

What are Stiffel lamps made of?

Stiffel lamps were made using a variety of materials that included bronze, brass, pewter, and silver. Finishes included brushed, polished and antique brass, polished nickel or silver, or a combination of silver and black. A few were gunmetal gray, Roman bronze or burnt umber. Most of all, look for quality.

How do you clean Stiffel lamp shades?

1. Dust the lamp every one to two weeks using an all-purpose duster. …
2. Moisten a microfiber cloth with metal polish. …
3. Wipe the damp cloth over the base of the lamp, rubbing in small circular motions to restore the polished shine of the lamp.

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How do I know if my vintage lamp is valuable?

Lamps are often more valuable when left in an original condition with most or all the original parts. Lightly scratch the underside of the lamp surface to determine the type of material it is made from. Some lamps may appear to be made of metal, but they might also be painted to look and feel just like metal.

How much do Stiffel lamps weigh?

ColorCopperPower SourceCorded ElectricShade MaterialGlassFinish TypeFinishedItem Weight4 Pounds

How do you clean Waterford brass lamps?

Clean The Brass Lamps To clean your brass lamps first take a bowl and add some hot water in it. Now add liquid soap to the water and mix it well to get a fine solution. Take a cleaning cloth and rub all the surfaces thoroughly. You can also use an old toothbrush to clean the crevices of the lamp.

How do you clean badly tarnished brass?

Combine the juice of half a lemon with a teaspoon of baking soda and stir until it becomes a paste. Apply the paste with a soft cloth. If the tarnish is heavy, let the piece sit with the paste on it for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry.

How do you remove green oxidation from brass?

Use a salt-and-vinegar mixture with one cup of vinegar and one tablespoon salt. The mixture will create a paste that you can rub on your brass to remove the green coloring. After the green oxidation has been completely removed, you can rub a little olive oil on your brass to make it shine like new.

Can Stiffel lamps be refinished?

Refinishing old lamps can help restore them to their former glory. Stiffel lamps first debuted in 1932. They are the design work of Ted Stiffel, founder of the Stiffel company. … If you have an older or antique Stiffel lamp, refinish it to complement your decor, or simply to spruce it up.

How can you tell how old a lamp is?

Antique Lamp Supply recommends picking up the lamp and looking for a manufacturer’s symbol, name or date stamp embedded into the base. Also look on the lighting fixture itself; sometimes, the manufacturer includes a sticker that includes the name, or date of manufacture.

How can you tell if a lamp is brass or brass plated?

If the magnet sticks, the item is usually steel or cast iron, with a brass plating. If the magnet does not stick, you can test further by scratching a hidden area with a sharp tool. If you see a shiny yellow scratch, the item is likely solid brass.

Is Stiffel a good brand?

“Stiffel is a brand with a great history. The lamps are truly unique and considered works of art,” said Lamps Plus Founder and CEO Dennis Swanson. “For decades, consumers have considered them one of the finest investments for their home, and vintage models have become valuable, highly sought after treasures.”

How can you tell if a lamp is a mid century?

Know The Look Like midcentury architecture, furniture and textiles, the lamps from this period have geometric shapes, simple lines and a space-age feel. Look for shapes such as globes, hourglasses and rings to kickstart your search.

Are Stiffel lamps out of style?

The Stiffel Lamp company went out of business in 2000, making it very difficult to find new lamps.

How do you clean antique silver?

For routine care, a quick wash in soapy water can be a sufficient way to keep silver shiny. Mix a few drops of mild dishwashing soap in warm water and gently wash silver pieces. Rinse and buff dry with a soft cloth. In between cleanings, store silver in a cool, dry place to prevent excess tarnish.

Does cleaning silver with baking soda damage?

Although using baking soda and aluminum foil can quickly remove tarnish from silverware, some dealers caution against using it on antique silver, as it can be too abrasive and ruin the finish (especially if you’re unsure of the provenance and it’s possible that the pieces are not actually sterling silver).

How do you remove oxidation from silver?

For silver that is heavily tarnished, mix a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Wet the silver and apply the cleaner with a soft, lint-free cloth (not paper towels). Work the paste into the crevices, turning the cloth as it gets gray. Rinse and buff dry.

Why do lamp shades turn yellow?

When your lamp begins to cast a yellowish glow, it may have everything to do with the lampshade and not the bulb. Lampshades with use and age begin to turn yellow. If you are tempted to replace an old shade, it might surprise you to learn that much of the yellowing comes from dirt.

What can you do with old lamps?

1. Repurpose old lamps into a side table.
2. Repurpose one into a bird bath.
3. Make a tiered stand from a thrift store lamp and trays.
4. Take the wiring out of old lamps and turn them into candlesticks.
5. Paint a base to turn it into shelf decor.
6. Repurpose old lamps from inside to outdoor solar lights.

How can you tell how old a lamp socket is?

Clues in the Cord In an electric lamp, the cord often reveals the clue to the lamp’s age, unless the cord has been replaced. Inspect the cord; if it looks old, the lamp probably is as well. The metal prongs on the plug are likely the same size, rather than one end that is larger than the other.

How do I know if my old lamp is safe?

Look at the Cord of your Vintage Electric Lamp The cord of your vintage electric lamp should be in good condition. It should not be frayed or broken. It should also be pliable and flexible. If it feels brittle, it means fraying is not far away.

How do you clean an old brass light fixture?

Most early 20th-century lighting fixtures are made of lacquer-coated brass, which can be safely cleaned with a mild soap and water. Go slow, advises Jane Deimezis of Appleton Lighting. “Start with a soft cloth, then a damp cloth, and then use a mild cleaner you would use to wash dishes with, like Ivory Liquid.”

How do you clean a Waterford crystal lamp?

Crystal and Glass should be hand washed separately in warm soapy water, rinsed thoroughly and dried with a lint free cloth. When washing and drying do not twist the bowl in opposite direction to stem as this can cause damage. Dishwasher heat, friction and detergent can dull or scratch the surface.

Does the pink stuff clean brass?

In addition to what it claims on the tin, it will also clean tarnish stains from silver and brass.