Amazing finds: 3 Arm Floor Lamp and a German chocolate cupcake

What is better than finding a rare gem for only $20 at a thrift store? Maybe a German chocolate cupcake from the Broadway Brew in Plainview, TX but it's still a close call!

Here is my find: a 3 arm reflective floor lamp with a nightlight in the base. Awesome? Totally!

After doing a bit of research I found that these lamps go for around $400 depending on the condition and rarity. I should buy a lamp shade to go over all 4 bulbs and the reflective shade already in place, but I really like the look of it now (I do want to get bulbs shaped like a candle flame for the 3 outer lights). If I find the correct shade I wold probably go ahead and get it. I love keeping items in their original state and making sure they are complete with as little reproductions as possible.

These lamps were popular in the 1920's (my personal favorite time period) because they gave off so much light. The white milk glass shade (seen in the picture to the left) reflects the light to the ceiling to light the whole room and the 3 outer bulbs (covered by the outer shade) provide localized light.

There are 3 switches to adjust the light produced by all 5 bulbs. One controls the mogul bulb (the bulb in the middle), one controls the 3 outer bulbs and has 3 settings: one bulb lit, 2 bulbs lit, and all 3 bulbs lit, and lastly a switch for the nightlight at the base of the lamp.

I came across the lamp (with reflective shade intact!) at a thrift store for only $20! I couldn't believe it! I didn't realize that there was a light in the base at the time and couldn't figure out what the third switch was for. I figured no matter what it's worth I was getting 4 working light bulbs. That had to count for something. Right? : )

I came across a few websites that gave me some great information about when this lamp was made and why it's different features were so valuable at the time.

The best information came from Paxton Hardware out of Maryland. The link to the page about this type of lamp is here.

I could see that the base of the lamp was (obviously) beautiful and something like I'd never seen, but I had no idea that it was a nightlight until I got it home and started playing with it. I was so super stoked when I figured out what the third switch was for! That's when i decided to do some research because I'd never seen a lamp like this. (Is this marble at the bottom?)

My in-laws have a few lamps in a similar style (they have such good taste) and I sent pictures to them and my family. I must say I'm glad to be from and in a family who enjoys pieces from the past.

Here is my sweet lamp's nightlight lit up. (Pardon the cords behind it.) I would love to leave the nightlight on all night but I don't trust the wiring in the lamp (or my old house for that matter) to leave it on without me being in the room.

If you've come across this post and find that any of my information is incorrect please feel free to let me know. I would appreciate it! You can email me at maggie.and.evelyn@gmail.com.


I need a cupcake.