These Spook Lamps almost never come up for sale, especially in this great condition. I am surprised it didn't bring more. There is a larger version measuring 12" high with a 6" shade and a 4.5" wide base. The patent date on these lamps is February 14, 1911, although I don't think they were immediately released. Still, I think they predate 1920. The one on page 188 has some different panel designs than this one.I feel the buyer got a solid bargain.
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Mark B. Ledenbach's vintage Halloween collectibles blog.
Pair of Very Early & Rare c. Feb. 1911 Halloween Trick or Treat Lamp Shades
These are bottoms for the small-sized Spook Lamps, early table decorations and lanterns. The smaller ones could also be used in conjunction with place cards. (You can see the factory made openings on one of the four panels per bottom.) Unfortunately, what is being offered for auction are remnants. Missing are the top sections containing the candle holder and the four support struts for each lantern that would attach to each bottom. Complete Spook Lamps are hard to find, as they were fragile to begin with. Most have not made the journey through over a century of time well or at all.
HTF Vintage Halloween 'Spook Lamp' w/ cat, witch's hat, skull and zombie 1911
Yes, these Spook Lamps are quite rare, but given the serious condition issues that exist with these components, I don't understand the current price of $355. There are so many rare and great items up right now that I can't fathom why someone would want to bid such high dollars on these two components.
