I know nothing about this kind of item, but I just fell in love with this lamp. I realized when I got it home that it was special. The wiring is very old, but still works. I'm thinking it's alabaster, but I don't know how to tell the difference between alabaster and marble. It left lots of chalky residue on me when I worked with the unpolished edges to rewire. I rewired it today so I could fit a shade on it, but I kept all the original wiring in case it would be needed for value as an original piece. When I took the stem apart, a little paper tag fell out of the hole that has edges like a stamp and says "Made in Italy No. 4907" The number is handwritten and the script is older...reminds me of the writing I've seen of my great grandparents from the late 1800's. Upon close inspection, I can see hand etched on the bottom of the lamp the same number that is on the tag and "M ITALY". I would love to know if this lamp is worth anything. I'm utterly enchanted by it, but I will consider selling it if it's value is high enough! Thank you in advance for any insight.
Holly
Re: Alabaster Bird Figural Table Lamp
Re: Alabaster Bird Figural Table Lamp
Pieces with country of origin marks with the prefix " Made In" generally post date the early 1920's, this piece dates between the early 1920's and World War Two. Most sell at auction for under $250.00.
LovejoyÂ
Re: Alabaster Bird Figural Table Lamp
Thank you. Does it make a difference in dating if the piece doesn't say "made in" because the bottom of this lamp doesn't have made in...just what looks like an "M" and then a very roughly hand-etched "ITALY". I was figuring 1920's to 1940's most likely.  I appreciate your response.