Smoking Hot Gypsy Lamp is Quite Unique

Q: Hi Dr. Cavo: We are looking for an appraisal for a Gypsy woman smoking stand, light and lamp. This item has been in the family for many years, and we believe it to be between 80-100 years old, bought in Chicago. It is 42 1/2 inches tall, rests on a brass, bronze-looking pedestal, and weighs 22 pounds. All parts are original and in working order.

Thank you for your time.  -Dave

A: Hi Dave: Your smoking stand is quite unique. I have seen this particular figure as a table-top piece as well as in the form of a stand like yours; however, it is rarely as complete as yours. The tray or the original beaded shade is often missing or replaced. The tray and the beautifully beaded, colorful shade are original to the piece. Some may consider the slag glass lamp in the base to be a bit excessive, but it adds splendidly to the overall appeal of this piece.

The figure holds a tray for ashes, which can be removed for cleaning. She is flanked by a pot for holding matches and a basket of sorts for cigars or cigarettes.

These figural pieces were made in Germany and Austria c. 1900-1920. I believe, based on the weight provided, that yours is spelter (white metal); as a bronze piece, this size would be much heavier. It is possible that the figure is bronze (the arms appear to have a bronze patina) while the base is spelter – which it seems to be. You can determine this by testing it with a magnet, which will stick to white metal but generally not to bronze. Whether or not a magnet sticks to it or not, it’s still very attractive.

The figure is cold painted, a technique using colorful enamel paints that was quite popular during the early 20th century, especially on bronze or spelter pieces originating in Austria.

This is the type of thing I would have bought, and my mother, who dealt in high-end art and antiques, would have said, “You need your head examined. ” She might have been correct because I am crazy about this piece. It is a style, however, that you either love or find ridiculous.

The table-top version of this piece (no stand, no lights) sells in the $250- $300 range. Yours has so much more to offer and is in such original, complete condition that I would appraise it at $450-$500 if it is spelter and up to $800 if it is bronze.

Our guest appraiser is Dr. Anthony Cavo, a certified appraiser of art and antiques and a contributing editor to Kovels Antique Trader. Cavo is also the author of Love Immortal: Antique Photographs and Stories of Dogs and Their People.

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