Vintage Neoclassical Cherub Putti Chalkware Table Lamp
Unbranded (Likely Continental Art Company or Marbro style) · Art & Decor > Lighting
Era / Decade
1960s-1970s (Mid-Century Regency era)
Material
Chalkware (plaster) with a faux-bronze/gold patinated finish and brass-plated metal electrical components.
Condition
Good. The plaster base shows minor age-related scuffing and finish loss typical of chalkware. The harp is intact, but the cord appears original and may require rewiring. Missing the original lampshade.
Demand Level
Moderate to Strong (High demand among 'Eclectic Grandpa' and 'Dark Academia' decorators).
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$75.00 - $150.00 (Low: $40 in local thrift; High: $200+ on Etsy/eBay as a pair)
Estimated Retail Value
$65.00 - $95.00 (Original 1970s price equivalent)
Comparable Sales
Single lamps of this style typically sell for $60-$85 on eBay; matched pairs in excellent condition can reach $250-$350 on curated vintage sites like Chairish or Etsy.
Description
Stunning vintage Hollywood Regency table lamp featuring a detailed bas-relief of four cherubs (putti) surrounding a central column. The finish is a dramatic black with gold-leaf style dry-brushed highlights, creating a heavy faux-bronze appearance. This substantial piece measures approximately 20-24 inches to the socket and serves as a bold statement piece for maximalist, eclectic, or dark academia interiors.
Key Features
Neoclassical 'Dark Academia' aesthetic, heavy chalkware construction, highly detailed 360-degree sculptural design, and original mid-century gothic-regency finish.
Authenticity Indicators
Weight, plaster material composition, and the specific molded socket components indicate mid-century mass production. High confidence in era (1960s/70s).
Flaws to Note
Small chips in the plaster (common in chalkware), dusty crevices, potential need for safety rewiring due to age, and missing shade/finial.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Facebook Marketplace for local sale (due to fragility/weight) or Etsy/eBay for a higher price point targeting vintage decor collectors.
Selling Tips
Market this using keywords like 'Dark Academia', 'Hollywood Regency', and 'Gothic Decor'. If you have the pair, definitely sell them together to double the value. Use a soft brush to clean dust from the cherubs' details before photographing.