The question has two meanings. Some people own or have found an old lamp and want to know whether it was made by Tiffany Studios. Others are buying a new Tiffany-style lamp and want to know whether the shade is real glass. This guide covers both.
Part 1: is it an original Tiffany Studios lamp?
Tiffany Studios made leaded glass lamps in New York from the 1890s until the early 1930s. Originals are antiques, and well-documented examples sell at auction for very high prices. Collectors and appraisers look at several points together, never at one alone.
- Marks. Original bases are usually stamped underneath with the words Tiffany Studios New York and a model number. Many shades carry a small stamped metal tag on the inside rim. A mark alone proves nothing, because marks are copied.
- Base. Original bases are cast bronze, heavy for their size, with a patina that has aged over a century.
- Glass. The glass varies in colour and texture from piece to piece: mottled, streaked or rippled, chosen so that each petal or leaf has depth.
- Seams. The pieces are joined with the copper foil technique, which gives fine, slightly irregular solder lines with an aged surface.
- History. Receipts, old photographs and previous sales records support a lamp's origin.
Only a specialist can confirm an original. If you think you have one, ask an auction house or an appraiser who handles Tiffany Studios pieces. This article is general information, not an appraisal.
Part 2: is a Tiffany-style lamp real glass?
A Tiffany-style lamp is a new lamp made in the same manner: a shade of cut glass pieces joined by soldered seams. Some low-priced lamps imitate the look with a single moulded plastic shade printed or painted with a pattern. Four checks tell them apart.
| Check | Real glass shade | Plastic shade |
|---|---|---|
| Tap gently with a fingernail | A clear, hard click | A dull, hollow sound |
| Touch | Cold to the hand | Room temperature |
| Weight | The shade is heavy for its size | Light |
| Seams | Raised metal lines you can feel between separate pieces | Lines printed or moulded into one surface |
What to read on the product page
- The material line should say glass or stained glass for the shade.
- The description should say how the shade is made. For example, the Blue Stained Glass Tiffany Lamp and the Baroque Stained Glass Table Lamp have a hand-cut stained glass shade, with each panel cut, wrapped and soldered by hand, on a resin base with an aged bronze finish.
- The base material is listed separately. A resin or metal base under a glass shade is common on Tiffany-style lamps.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Tiffany lamp is real?
Look for the Tiffany Studios New York stamp and model number under the base, a bronze base, varied hand-selected glass and fine soldered seams, then have it confirmed by a specialist.
Are Tiffany-style lamps fake?
No. Tiffany-style describes how the shade is made. A Tiffany-style lamp is not presented as a Tiffany Studios original.
How can I tell glass from plastic?
Glass is cold, heavy and gives a clear click when tapped. Plastic is light, at room temperature and sounds dull.
Read more in our Tiffany lamp guide, or see the stained glass lamps collection.
