A particularly elegant Swedish desk lamp dating from the 1930s and retailed by Nordiska Kompaniet, combining a black enamelled aluminium shade and base with a slender articulated brass stem.

Nordiska Kompaniet, maintained an important lighting department during the first half of the twentieth century, producing and retailing both individual commissions and serially manufactured lighting. Among the designers and lighting architects associated with the department during this period were Erik Tidstrand, Olle Elmgren and Bertil Brisborg, with Tidstrand heading the department until the early 1940s.

Although the lamp clearly belongs to this period of NK lighting, we have so far been unable to identify this particular model in the period documentation available to us, nor have we found another example published on the secondary market. We have therefore deliberately chosen not to attribute the design to an individual designer.

The lamp itself is clearly stamped Nordiska Kompaniet on the base. The upper brass fitting controlling the shade is additionally stamped E103.

The construction is beautifully simple. A circular black base supports a long, slender brass arm, articulated at both the base and immediately below the shade. These two adjustment points allow the height and angle of the lamp to be altered considerably, while the enamelled aluminium shade can be independently positioned to direct the light.

The contrast between the original black enamelled surfaces and the naturally aged brass is particularly attractive. The long, narrow stem and relatively small shade give the lamp an unusually light and architectural profile for a desk lamp of the period.

The lamp remains in very good vintage condition. The original enamelled finish has several small scratches and minor marks consistent with age and use, together with two small dents to the upper surface of the shade, neither of which detracts from the overall appearance. The brass has aged beautifully and retains a warm, naturally patinated surface.

The adjustment mechanism remains functional and, once positioned, holds the lamp securely. As can be expected with an articulated lamp approaching ninety years old, the lower joint can gradually loosen with repeated adjustment. A small screw at the joint immediately above the base allows it to be tightened when necessary.

The lamp has been carefully cleaned and professionally rewired, with no other restoration undertaken.

This is a particularly appealing lamp in person and one we would very happily take home ourselves.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom.

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.