1970s Italian Ashtray Desk Lamp

Materials: Silver-white painted square & flat iron base. Built-in stainless steel round ashtray or a scale for paper clips. Chromed metal (iron) folded rod. Silver-white painted flat adjustable aluminium lampshade, perforated with elongated slots. Chrome parts. Big ornamental chrome screw on top. Bakelite E27 socket.

Height: 39 cm / 15.35”

Width: 32 cm / 12.59”

Base: 28 x 24 cm / 11.02 x 9.44”

Electricity: 1 bulb E27, 1 x 75 watt maximum, 110/220 volt.
Any type of light bulb can be used, not a specific one preferred.

Period: 1970s – Mid-Century Modern.

Designer: To be appraised.

Manufacturer: To be appraised, in all probability an Italian company.

Other versions: For the moment it is unknown if this 1970s Italian ashtray desk lamp exists in several other versions.

Florence, Italy

This desk lamp was purchased in Florence, Italy on October 10, 2016 at the “Mercato alle Pulci” (flea market) at the Largo Pietro Annigoni square. Previously the flea market was located at the Piazza dei Ciompi, a market place nearby. It is not a true flea market: only dealers in white tents who sell antiques and stuff every day of the week.

A particular lamp it is; adjustable, a switch for a floor lamp and an ashtray. Can be seen as a “vide-poche” (Small receptacle where items are deposited).

At the airport this lamp passed the customs after a check for drugs and explosives. The customs official used some special paper and rubbed it over the lamp with his gloves on. Afterwards he put the paper strip in a computer test lab.
I took it in my hand luggage because there was no space left in the suitcases and also the most important thing: I wanted to keep it with me to prevent damage.

Lamp companies that are active in the region, are among others: Targetti, Martinelli Luce, Banci Firenze, Fantoni Ceramic Studio, Zaccagnini, Bitossi Ceramiche, Terzani, Fratelli Mannelli.

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