Carson Kressley: European Merman Oil Lamp, ca. 1890
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GUEST:
I remember my first big purchase. I was about 13 years old. I still have it. I love that lamp and I'm very excited to hear about it, because I know nothing about it. I just thought it was amazing. I think I paid all of my chore money, and, like, saving money, and birthday money, about $250 for it in approximately 1983.
APPRAISER:
The shade was almost certainly made in what was then Bohemia, what is now the Czech Republic. And the base was likely made nearby, somewhere in Central Europe. I would not be surprised if it's from Austria. That sort of mythical, fantastical design is a feature we see in the 1890s, in particular, in Central Europe. You see it more in ceramics than in anything else.
GUEST:
Okay.
APPRAISER:
Are you aware that he's one of a pair?
GUEST:
No!
APPRAISER:
There is a conventional pair to him.
GUEST:
Okay.
APPRAISER:
Very, very similar, but she is a mermaid.
GUEST:
Oh, all right.
APPRAISER:
And he's a merman...
GUEST:
I love a merman!
APPRAISER:
(laughs)
GUEST:
An Ethel Merman. They're my favorite.
APPRAISER:
And she's, uh, actually the better-known model. He works very well by himself as an oil lamp. Any dealer would make it prominent. They'd sort of put it in a window, because it's such a conversational piece.
GUEST:
Right.
APPRAISER:
It's got a great look about it.
GUEST:
And those abs! Everyone loves abs.
APPRAISER:
Oh, he's, he's built.
GUEST:
Yes.
APPRAISER:
I wouldn't be surprised to see it up to $1,000. Maybe $900.
GUEST:
Okay. Better than a certificate of deposits!
APPRAISER:
(laughing)
GUEST:
Holla!
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