A lamp base is the lower part of a lamp, which supports the light source and shade and gives the lamp its stability and much of its character. In antiques it may be an original lamp stem and foot, an oil lamp reservoir and column, or a vase, figure, candlestick or other decorative object converted for use as a lamp.
Early oil lamps often had columns of brass, bronze, cast iron or marble with glass or ceramic reservoirs, while the electric era brought purpose-made bases in brass, bronze, spelter, porcelain, glass and wood across every style from Victorian to Art Deco. Converting a fine Chinese vase, a classical column or a pair of candlesticks into lamps has long been a popular way of displaying objects in country house interiors, and good pairs are particularly sought. Collectors and designers judge a lamp base on its quality, proportion and condition, and on how sympathetically any conversion has been made: drilling a hole through a valuable porcelain vase can seriously reduce its value. Antique bases should always be rewired and fitted with suitable lampholders and fittings. A well-proportioned shade is often the key to making an antique base look its best.
