Your Online Antiques University                 Every now and again we are asked about items that at first glance would be considered to be yard sale material or of just sentimental value. As an Appraiser first impressions of a antique and or collectible are important, but must be backed up by proper identification and market research. Below is an item we have examined recently that were stored away for years, it's identity and value unknown to it's owner. The piece in question is a glass flowered lamp shade and lamp (still packed away). The shade measures approximately 7 1/2 inches high by 5 inches wide, upon further examination it was found to be marked "Handel 7093" . To the general public the name "Handel"* doesn't mean much, the Handel Company began in 1885 as a partnership between Philip Julius Handel, age nineteen, and Adolph Eydam, age twenty-one. The company, founded as Eydam & Handel, opened it's doors in a small building located at the corner of Miller and Catlin Streets in Meriden, Connecticut. The company specialized in glass decorating and lamp manufacturing. In 1892, Eydam took a job at a rival company at which point, Eydam and Handel became The Handel Company.  In 1902, Handel opened a foundry, which allowed all lamp bases to be designed and produced in-house to compliment the lamp shades.  The company closed during the 1930's, a victim of changing styles and the Depression. Today handel lamps can be "the stuff of dreams" to Dealers, who know the company as being one of the most famous producers of decorative lamps during the turn of the 19th Century, whose lamps routinely sell for over $25,000. In the case of this small shade and the matching base it's value is not quite that spectacular, about $1000.00- $1500.00 in today's market, but not bad for something found stored away for 40 years. Mike Wilcox Wilcox & Hall Appraisers              Copyright Wilcox & Hall Online- 1997-2006 All Rights Reserved

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