I purchased this table lamp in an antique shop on Colfax Avenue in Denver a few days ago for $12.00. Today, I noticed a half-torn sticker on the metal thing where the bulb screw in that says “Issue No. 7167 Marbro lamp Co. Los Angeles, Cal.”. While searching on the internet for information about the lamp, I found this article on the Marbo Lamp Company:
Marbro Lamp Company was founded by Morris Markoff and his brother, hence the name Marbro from Markoff brothers. They started the company shortly after WWII. The company was located in a 3 story brick building in the garment district of Los Angeles, just south of downtown right by the Santa Monica Freeway. During the time they ran the company, they sold almost as many antiques as they did lamps. Read the rest of the article here …
The original silk shade (with green velvet trim) came with the lamp and I’ve decided to continue to use it; although, it is showing signs of dry-rot.
I’m excited that my lamp may actually be worth quite a bit more than $12.00! Look for me on Antiques Roadshow! LOL!
Marbro lamps can becoem addictive. Each shsde was designed specically for the lamp. Havin the original shade is a good deal.
Yours is one of the relativley simple Marbro lamps so I am not sure that you have a gold mine, but still a nice lamp.
Suggest that you might want to search ebay for more Marbro lamps.
It would be great to see a picture with the shade.
Steve
What a great story about your “FIND” for $12.00. Would you advise where I might go to sell a Marbro Lamp I have in my possession.
I purchased my lamp from an antique dealer in Chicago in the ’60’s. It is a figurine; a young lad holding a violin. It is very large. I have had it re-wired, but that is all. I do not have the original shade (which was beautiful), due to rot. However, this lamp does make a statement and is in primo condition.
Any advise?
Janet Ringer
Hi Janet,
Your Marbro lamp sounds beautiful and I’m sure it is. The other Marbro lamps I’ve seen are much more elaborate than the early example I have.
eBay is probably your best bet for selling the lamp. I see a few Marbro lamps on eBay and there are some folks who collect them, I’m sure. I wish I could use it, but I’ve got lamps in abundance here. I would avoid Craigslist since it is run rampant with fraudsters these days.
Most antique dealers in local shops won’t buy from an individual because of the fear of stolen goods.
Good luck.
I just picked up a lamp from a guy that no longer wanted it. I got it home and it said “Marbro Lamp Company, Marbro Original #6588. It is a table lamp, but it stands 5′ tall and is made of wood. The lampshade is in good condition and has wood trim on the top and bottom, matching the lamp and finnial. Where can I find out how much this lamp is worth?