Period Reproductions and Restorations

The highly skilled craftsman who individually hand-blows each shade works out of his shop located in the New England area. All glassware profiles have been copied from period pieces and all glassware is made using Pyrex glass that will not crack as a result of the heat generated by oil-burning lamps. Top and bottom cut edges are fire polished to help reduce chipping in these two vulnerable areas. Fitter diameters can be custom adjusted to meet your particular needs and where noted, custom heights can be ordered.

Shades are now available with several options. They can be frosted either on the inside or the outside – in the first photo below the shade on the left is frosted on the inside and the shade on the right is frosted on the outside. The fitter is available either clear as shown on the shades to the left or frosted as shown on the shades to the right. On shades with a clear fitter the frosting starts at approximately the point where the fitter transitions to the bulge. There is an extra charge of $5 for inside frosting and $5 for a clear fitter. We are striving to achieve a gradual transition from frosted to clear areas on all shades and so far our efforts have been quite successful.

You may notice that newly frosted shades have a fairly pronounced, whitish look. The whitish appearance can be toned down to a soft, warm grayish color by applying mineral oil to the frosted surface. In the first photo below, the frosted surface of the shade on the left has not been oiled where as the frosted surface of the shade on the right has been oiled. Apply the oil sparingly (a little bit will go a long way) and spread and rub it into the entire frosted area using a soft cloth. If you are not happy with the results, the process is reversible – simply wash the shade with soap and warm water. The oil also tends to reduce the opacity of the frosted finish and thus allows for a slightly greater level of illumination.

 

Solar Spherical Shade

This solar shade has a 6" fitter. The inside surface is frosted and the top and bottom edges are fire polished to help reduce chipping in these two vulnerable areas. The overall height of the shade is 8-3/8 ", the bulge measures 9", and the diameter at the top of the flair is 3-3/4 ". The profile of this shade was copied from that of a shade pictured on page 120 in the book 19th Century Elegant Lighting by Gerald T. Gowitt.

AS-4-1 Solar Shade, each

$275.00

 

Small Solar Shade

This small shade was commonly used on solar lamps and the fitter was sized so that the shade would rest on the large diameter brass nut that secures the chimney on the deflector. Many examples of this can be seen in Gerald T. Gowitt's book 19th Century Elegant Lighting. The height is 6-1/4", the diameter at the top is 3", and the diameter of the bulge is 5-9/16". The fitter has a maximum outside diameter of 3" and a minimum inside diameter of 2-7/8" - the fitter dimensions can be varied to fit a specific nut. The shade is pictured with outside frosting.

AS-8-1 Small Solar Shade, each

$187.00

 

Wheel Cut and Polished Shades

The cutting on these shades is very nicely done. They are imported and the value placed on much of the foreign labor makes it possible to retail them at much more affordable prices than if they were cut here in the States. Fitter sizes may vary slightly from the dimensions listed for each shade - please indicate the maximum outside dimension that your shade holder will accommodate when ordering. Availability can be uncertain at times so check about delivery time when ordering. Note that the fitters and top edges of the two spherical shades have been re-ground to correct their height and shape. These shades are not made using borosilicate or Pyrex brand glass.

A cautionary note - purchasing one of these cut shades may cause Edgar Allan Poe to direct the full force of his wrath in your direction! Click here to learn why.

 

Solar Spherical Shade
Wishbone Cut Design

The photographs show the two repeating patterns each of which repeat four times around the circumference of the shade. This same pattern can be seen on a period shade in 19th Century Elegant Lighting by Gerald T. Gowitt on page 86. The height of the shade is 8 inches, the bulge measures 9 inches, the diameter at the top of the flair is 4 inches, and the fitter diameter is 6-1/16".

SC-1 Solar Spherical Shade - wishbone cut and polished design

$340.00

 

Solar Spherical Shade
Star and Ball Cut Design

These star and ball cut elements are commonly seen on a number of solar shades though shades displaying them combined in this manner are fairly rare. The same pattern on this shade can be seen on a period shade in 19th Century Elegant Lighting by Gerald T. Gowitt on page 153. The height of the shade is 8 inches, the bulge measures 9 inches, the diameter at the top of the flair is 4 inches, and the fitter diameter is 6-1/16".

SC-2 Solar Spherical Shade - star and ball cut and polished design

$340.00

 

Solar Vase Shade
Grape and Vine Cut Design

This is one of a variety of grape and vine designs that are commonly seen on solar shades. The height of this shade is 10-3/4 inches, the bulge measures 8-1/2 inches, the diameter at the top of the flair is 5-1/2 inches, and the fitter diameter is 6-1/4".

SC-3 Solar Vase Shade - grape and vine cut and polished design

$220.00

 

Solar Shade
Lyre Cut Design

Those who find the profile of the sinumbra shade appealing might like this shade displayed on a solar lamp. There is little question that profiles of shades used for one type of lamp influenced the profiles of shades used for lamps of a later period and this could easily be the case in this instance. The facetted 'applied ring' at the top of the flair and the facetted bracelet that surrounds the neck are not applied in the traditional way - they are both integral parts of the shade and formed as the shade is blown. The height of the shade is 9-1/2 inches, the bulge measures 9-3/4 inches, the diameter at the top of the flair is 5-3/4 inches, and the fitter diameter is 6-1/8".

SC-4 Solar Shade - lyre cut and polished design

$245.00

 

Terms for glassware:

Full payment must be received for the total order including packing, insurance, and shipping prior to shipping. Chimneys are stock items; shades that are not in stock at the time an order is placed are considered to be special orders. Shades and chimneys made to your specifications are considered as special orders. Special orders require a non-refundable 10% deposit at the time the order is placed. You will be notified when a second non-refundable deposit of 40% will be due - this date will coincide with the date your order will be scheduled to be made; this payment must be received within 7 days of receipt of the notice. The remaining 50% plus packing, insurance, and shipping is due within 30 days of payment of the second deposit and before the order is shipped. Returns are subject to a 50% re-stocking charge; packing, insurance, and shipping charges are not refunded. Deposits are forfeited if any of these terms are not met. A $35 fee will be charged if any payments are returned for insufficient funds or other reasons.

 

Prices are subject to change without notice. Web site errors, whether photographic or typographic, are subject to correction when ordering.

 

JP - Tinsmith
Joel Paradis
7249 West Main Street
Westmoreland, New York 13490
 
Telephone: (315) 853-1444
Facsimile: (315) 853-1221
 
 

 
© 2009 JP - Tinsmith
All text and photographs are the property of JP Tinsmith
and may not be reproduced without permission.