Handel Lamp History

Philip Julius Handel first established the Handelcraftsmanship.
Company in Meriden, Connecticut in 1876. TheyHandel bases were most commonly made of a
specialized in high quality reverse painted lampzinc alloy, spelter with a bronze patina or finish.
shades and were generally considered a lessSome were made of genuine bronze. The
expensive alternative to the Tiffany lampmarking was commonly the company name on
popularized by Louis Comfort Tiffany. They alsothe bottom of the base. The markings consisted
made leaded glass shades similar to Tiffany asof raised letters and/or a label. Sometimes the
well as vases, humidor boxes and othermarking would be underneath the base or
decorative objects. The most popular lamps ofsometimes on top of the the base. Lamp shades
the Art Nouveau 1890-1920 and the Art Decowere marked on metal components and/or on
period 1920-1939 were Tiffany, Handel, Pairpointthe glass itself. Some of the glass pieces are
and Duffner & Kimberly.signed by the artists.
Philip Handel (age 19) and Adolph Eydam (age 21)Many of the medium to larger Handel lamp bases
formed a partnership in 1885 and created thewere wired with multiple sockets which were
"Eydam and Handel Company" in Meriden,operated by pull chains that had small and various
Connecticut specializing in glass decorating andshaped pull balls on the ends of the chain.
lamp manufacturing. They used lamp bases fromIt has long been a common practice to match
other suppliers not their own lamp bases. In 1892slag glass lamp shades, Tiffany type shades and
the partnership ended and the company laterothers to various lamp bases that were not the
moved to larger facilities in New York city in 1893original. Another common practice has been to
and was known as "Philip J. Handel" and later asplace an unsigned shade on a signed Handel lamp
"Handel and Company". In 1902 they opened theirbase and pass the entire lamp off as a "Handel".
own foundry and began producing their own lampMany if not most lamps and shades are referred
bases. The Handel Company was incorporated onto as Handel lamps simply because the style is
June 11, 1903 and Philip J. Handel, Albert Parlow,similar to that of an original Handel lamp. Experts
and Antone Teich were the principals. In 1906,today suggest that about 90% of all lamps called
Philip J. Handel married Fannie Hirschfield Handel hisHandel were not actually made by Handel. There
second wife. She became the company'sare many lamps that are signed but that are not
president upon Philip Handel's death in 1914. Inauthentic. Identification of Handel leaded lamps is a
1918 she remarried and in 1919 William F. Handel,subjective process that few people are qualified
Philip's cousin took control of the company.to do.
Following World War I was a period ofGiven the company's history it may be difficult to
tremendous growth. The economy was roaringprove the negative: i.e. that a particular lamp is
and the company had assembled a veryNOT a Handel. But as usual, money speaks and
impressive and talented group of artists andyou will find that a Handel lamp and shade with
craftsmen. However, the Great Depressioncorrect markings, attributes and documentation
drastically changed the company's fortunes andcommands a very premium price as compared to
by 1929 the company was struggling. Theany lamp that is "attributed to Handel".
company ceased production completely in 1936.For instance, some of Handel's small and simple
The Handel Lamp Company was the very finestdesk and simple piano lamps have recently sold
maker of reverse-painted lamps. Handel alsofor around $500. Generally the more complex
made some leaded glass lamps. The company is aones sell for over $2,000. There are some rare
prime example of fine American qualityones that have sold for over $80,000.