Description: Rust and Rot ~ Purveyors of wonderful things. Welcome to the sale of this iconic desk lamp. Made by Bestlite in the 1930's the BL1 desk lamp was designed by Robert Dudley Best and is considered to be the first manifestation of Bauhaus in the UK. Interestingly it was also the lamp that was on Churchill's desk throughout the second world war. Now firstly it is worth pointing out that this is a true original early Bestlite. These lamps are still made and a new one will set you back around £600. I have seen many on ebay sold recently as 'original' or 'vintage' however they don't appear so to me. The easiest tell is the bulb holder, it should have silver bulb ended on / off toggles and move on a ball and socket. If the lamp has a modern bulb holder with a black plastic toggle and earthing screw it is unlikely to be a true vintage Bestlite or has been rewired with modern fittings. Also if the cable exits the arm via a black plastic piece to the side, not original. The originals exited via a bakelite cap as per this one. Anyway have a good look at a few so you know what your buying. This lamp has been stripped, cleaned and rewired with three meters of modern black 0.75mm fabric cable, using the original switch and a new 5a plug. The aluminium of the base and shade had started to corrode lifting the black paint. This has now been cleaned and sealed with wood wax to preserve its patina. The chrome has been cleaned and polished but is still slightly discoloured in places. The rise and fall mechanism works smoothly as does the sprung ball joint at the shade. The inside of the shade is corroded and pitted. I would say this example is what I call being in good honest survivor condition. It has been sympathetically restored to show its age and patina. Please have a good look at the photographs as they form part of the description and contact me if you have any further questions. The lamp measures (in cm) 50 to 81 tall, 21 wide at base and 15 wide at shade. It weighs 3.2kg I offer free delivery on many of our items, however delivery shown is for the UK mainland only. There will be a surcharge for some addresses in Northern Ireland, the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Man, the Scilly Isles and the Highlands and islands of Scotland. You are more than welcome to collect or I can deliver locally if needed. Please note my items are photographed under bright photographic lights. The colour you see on your phone or computer maybe different from the actual colour of the item due to your screen settings. The colour may also look different when placed in a darker environment. I have many unique antique and vintage items, please take a look. All of my listings carry a ‘make a best offer’ option, feel free to use it, however please be realistic. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.Kind regards. Jon (Stock No. 3992)
Price: 295 GBP
Location: Malmesbury, Wiltshire
End Time: 2024-02-21T12:04:57.000Z
Shipping Cost: 58.38 GBP
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return postage will be paid by: Buyer
Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
After receiving the item, your buyer should cancel the purchase within: 14 days
Brand: Best
Type: Desk Lamp
Power Source: Corded Electric
Manufacturer: Bestlite
Style: Art Deco
Colour: Black
