Handel Lamps: American Art Glass & Painted Lamps
Handel & Company was an American decorative lighting manufacturer founded by Philip J. Handel in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1885, producing high-quality art glass lamps and decorative accessories until 1936. Handel lamps are considered among the finest American decorative lamps of the early 20th century, rivaling Tiffany in quality though typically more accessible in price. The company is best known for its reverse-painted glass shades, overlay lamps, and leaded glass panels, all featuring meticulous hand-painted decoration.
History & Key Dates
- 1885: Philip J. Handel establishes a glass decorating shop in Meriden, Connecticut
- 1893: Partners briefly with Adolph Eydam; the Handel & Eydam partnership produces early art glass
- 1903: Handel begins producing reverse-painted lamp shades; business expands rapidly
- 1910s-1920s: Peak period of production; employs numerous skilled artists for shade painting
- 1919: Philip Handel dies; company continues under family management
- 1930s: Great Depression reduces demand; production shifts to simpler designs
- 1936: Company closes permanently
Types of Handel Lamps
| Type | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse-painted | Landscape, floral, or scenic designs painted on interior of glass shade | $1,000-$30,000+ |
| Overlay | Metal overlay on glass shade, often slag or bent glass panels | $500-$8,000 |
| Teroca | Textured exterior finish on shade with painted interior | $1,000-$15,000 |
| Chipped ice/frosted | Textured exterior surface with painted design | $800-$10,000 |
| Leaded glass | Paneled slag or art glass in metal framework | $500-$5,000 |
| Boudoir | Small table lamps with reverse-painted shades | $300-$3,000 |
Identification & Marks
- Shade signatures: Most shades signed "HANDEL" or "HANDEL CO." on interior rim, often with pattern number
- Artist signatures: Some shades carry painter's number or initials (e.g., Bedigie, Parlow, Bailey, Runge)
- Base marks: Cast bases stamped "HANDEL" with model numbers; cloth labels on some
- Felt pads: Original green felt on base bottoms
- Pattern numbers: Four-digit numbers identify specific shade designs; documented in reference catalogs
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boudoir lamp, reverse-painted | $300 | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Table lamp, floral reverse-painted | $800 | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| Table lamp, scenic landscape | $2,000 | $6,000 | $20,000 |
| Tropical/palm tree shade | $3,000 | $8,000 | $25,000 |
| Aquarium/underwater shade | $5,000 | $15,000 | $40,000+ |
| Overlay lamp | $500 | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| Teroca table lamp | $1,000 | $4,000 | $12,000 |
| Handel shade only (no base) | $200 | $800 | $5,000 |
Condition Factors
- Paint condition: Flaking, chipping, or worn painted decoration significantly reduces value
- Glass integrity: Cracks in the glass shade are very damaging; hairline cracks reduce value by 50% or more
- Original base: Matching original base and shade together are essential; mismatched parts reduce value
- Patina: Original bronze or copper patina on bases is desirable; replating reduces value
- Heat damage: Yellowing or darkening of painted surfaces from bulb heat is common on frequently used lamps
- Wiring: Original wiring should be replaced for safety but original sockets preserved if possible
Collecting Tips
- Scenic landscape shades (especially sunset, moonlit, and tropical scenes) command the highest prices
- Aquarium and underwater scene lamps are the rarest and most valuable Handel designs
- Matching original shade to original base significantly increases value; document any separation history
- Handel lamps offer comparable quality to Tiffany at substantially lower prices, representing strong value
- Artist-signed shades by known painters (Bedigie, Parlow, Bailey) carry modest premiums
- Reference: "Handel Lamps: Painted Shades and Glassware" by Robert De Falco provides comprehensive pattern identification
- Examine shades under UV light; repairs and repainting fluoresce differently than original paint