Sputniks Station

Moss Lamp

sputnik — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:19:54 +0000

6 White Burke Tulip Bucket Chairs

sputnik — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:18:12 +0000

Fabric

sputnik — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:10:52 +0000

Really lots. Tropical, Atomic etc.

Sputnik Ice Bucket

sputnik — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:59:10 +0000

Interesting ice bucket made by the MIRRO Corp in the 1950’s. IT HAS BEEN

THE ICE BUCKET RESTS UPON BLACK BAKELITE LEGS. IT IS MADE OF ALUMINUM WITH COPPER TONED ACCENTS. THE LID IS ACCENTED WITH A BAKELITE KNOB.

THE BUCKET STANDS ABOUT 9.5″ TALL WITH THE LID, AND AT IT’S WIDEST IT IS 8″. THIS IS A HOT/COLD SERVER.

IT IS IN GOOD CONDITION, OTHER THAN NORMAL WEAR FROM AGE. THERE ARE SOME SURFACE SCRATCHES ON THE FINISH OF THE BODY, AND LID. THERE IS ONE SMALL DING ON THE SIDE OF THE BODY, NOT TOO NOTICEABLE.

It is very functional plus a great conversation piece.

Vintage Fabric

sputnik — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:29:29 +0000

Sputnik’s collection includes more than 1,000 pieces of vintage barkcloth, as well as rare pieces of other vintage and new fabrics.

Moss Lamps of San Francisco

sputnik — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:49:16 +0000

Sputnik’s Station Offers a Collection of
Fourteen Fabulous Moss Lamps

They are unusual. They turns heads. They make great conversation pieces. They are downright funky in a lovable, collectable way. We are talking about Moss Lamps, those quirky plexiglass creations that are also known as “the lamps that spin.”

1. & 2. Pair of Black & White Plexiglass Moss Lamps

This terrific pair of table lamps stands 20″ high at the socket.

$170 Moss Lamp (each)

$80 beige one-tiered drum shade (maker unknown) (each)

$250 each

$450 for the pair after 10% multi-lamp purchase discount.

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3. Bistro Corner Moss Table Lamp [Moss Model T-681]

This large table lamp, which is designed to fit snuggly into a corner, is remensent of a night club complete with a spinning torch singer. It stands 30″ high at the lowest of two sockets. Two shaded towers cover incandesant bulbs. Under the floor are two more hidden night lights. The floor also hold the housing for the spinning mechanism which is not present. A Yona Chinese Boy Figurine is still-mounted in place. With a small motorized platform, this lamp could easily be converted back to its singing, dancing, spinning heyday.

$600 Moss Lamp with a figurine* and 2 shades

The figurine shown in photo is not available. Buyer can choose one figurine from among those shown at the end of this offer.

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4. Art Deco Plexiglass Lamp (maker unknown)

We aren’t certain this is a Moss, but we are certain it is one terrific lamp. The brass posts are remeniscent of Majestic Lamps, but the clear and black plexiglass looks like pure moss. The deco details make us wonder if it may be an early Moss edition.

It stands 30″ high at the sockets. Two vintage brown shades cover incandesant bulbs and can be switch both on, separately on, or both off. It is a beautiful practical addition to any decor.

$250 Deco Lamp with 2 shades

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5. & 6. Pair of Black Plexiglass Wiggle Lamps Moss Floor Lamps [Moss Model X 2400]

SORRY WE ARE SOLD!

These days it is hard to find a pair of vintage floor lamps of any kind, but to find a set as unusual as these is pure serendipity! This matched pair of floor lamps stands 60″ high at the socket. The black plexiglass which undulates and weaves through the ersatz brass post works well in any decor. Although the shades are not necessarily Moss, they are an ideal pairing with the lamps. Too cool!

$300 Moss Lamp (each)

$90 beige two-tiered drum shade (maker unknown) (each)

$390 each

$700 for the pair after 10% discount.

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7. & 8. Pair of Black and Gold Plexiglass Moss Table Lamps [Moss Model XT 845]

These appear to be some of Moss’s earlier forays into plexiglass table lamps. They have been rewired, but could use further cosmetic touchup. This matched pair of table lamps stands only 20″ high at the socket. The clear and gold plexiglass insets give them an irrestible mod flaire. Although the shades are not Moss, they are of perfect scale and age to pair with the lamps. Tre cool!

$120 Moss Lamp (each)

$70 beige one-tiered drum shade (maker unknown) (each)

$190 each

$340 for the pair after 10% multi-lamp purchase discount.

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9. Leaning Lena Floor Lamp

There is nothing like a Moss Lamp and there is no Moss Lamp like the Leaning Lena. This specimine is about as good as it gets in a Leaning Lena. First and foremost, it is in good working shape. Time and gravity have not been kind to these top-heavy lamps. When we found it, this baby had been patched and propped in a most unseemly manner. Sputnik has very, very carefully removed prior patches and shored this lamp’s base up to last several more decades. The top, primary incandescent socket has a new extra-large bulb, which was popular at the time but hard to find now. The column has a new skinny 30-inch T-8 flourescent bulb which should last a while as well. Therefore, mechanically, this Leaning Lena is about as good as it gets in the business of collecting Moss Lamps. This floor lamps stands 55-inches high at the socket.

The shade on this lamp is the original, altlhough it would be a stretch to say it is in original condition. Moss lamp shades were made of soft fiberglass and weak adheasives with a propensity to turn brown. That’s how we know it is an original shade. It is brown, soft, and springing out of control in multi directions. Some former owner of the shade decided to tackle this issue by sopping the fibers with white paint and pressing them back into place. This sort-of worked. We have spray painted the former-owner’s workmanship with white paint, and replaced the Greek Key ribbon trim and the result is, well, not bad. You’ll have to decide for yourself. Anyway, at least you have an authentic, original Moss Lamp Shade Frame that looks OK, and that you could recover should you so desire.

We really want to sell this lamp and shade together because they have been together all of their lives, but we have priced them separately just in case you want to buy them that way.

$500 Leaning Lena Moss Floor Lamp

$200 24″ x 24″ white shade

$700 each

We have one Leaning Lena Floor Lamp on display at the store, but two more are available, without shades upon request. Please email us for more information.

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10. Leaning Lena Table Lamp

A Leaning Lena Table Lamp makes a terrific statement in any home or work place. This model is by far the best selling of all Moss plexiglass lamps. There is the uppere incandescent light, the inner flourescent tube light, and in some cases, a night light in the base below. The fixture “leans” in what-ever direction the owner wishes, ie toward the bed for reading in the bedroom, or toward the crowd for partying in the living room. Our specimin is in perfect working order. This floor lamps stands 28-inches high at the socket.

The shade on this lamp is not original to the lamp, but it is an original Moss Shade. This shade came to us still wrapped in it’s original cellophane wrappings. Although it has turned brown with age, it retains its designed shape. It has a brass ring trim around the angel-hair core.

$200 Leaning Lena Moss Table Lamp

$100 20″round shade

$300 each

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11. Asian Theather Moss Table Lamp [Moss Model __]

This large black and white plexiglass table lamp is really a delight. Featured repeatedly in the Moss Lamp Book by Donald-Brian Johnson, it is a perfectly balanced combination of table lamp, figurine display stage, and under-floor night light. This lamp is non-moving, but there is space under the floor for a revolving motor to turn the figurine of your choice. It stands 28″ high at the socket. Under the floor are two hidden night lights. A Bali Girl figurine by __ is included, still-mounted in place.

The shade is original to this lamp. It is the large square shade in classic Moss styling. This shade is covered in silk and in relatively good condition. It is hard to know if the silk is the original covering of the shade. Anyway, this shade is at least an authentic Moss and in usable condition.

$250 Asian Theater Moss Lamp with a figurine*

$100 Shade

$350 for Lamp, figurine & shade as shown in photo

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12. Asian Staircase Theather Moss Table Lamp [Moss Model __]

This large table lamp is all Moss. The base is a dramatic stage set perfectly for any two of the many figurines that graced Moss Lamps over the years. A delightful little mini-staircase connect upper and lower platforms for the figurines. There are incandescent sockets above and below the figures for maximum drama.

On this Moss Lamp, perhaps more than any other, the shade steals the show. It is huge, 20 x 24 x 20 and would be top-heavy on any other lamp; but here it is just perfect; like a tent over an outdoor drama scene set millinea ago.

The shade is original to this lamp and belongs with it; therefore we are offering the lamp and shade together and only together.

$550 Asian Theater Moss Lamp with a figurine*and Shade

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13. Asian Theather Moss Table Lamp [Moss Model __]

This large black and white plexiglass table lamp is really a delight. Featured repeatedly in the Moss Lamp Book by Donald-Brian Johnson, it is a perfectly balanced combination of table lamp, figurine display stage, and under-floor night light. This lamp is non-moving, but there is space under the floor for a revolving motor to turn the figurine of your choice. It stands 28″ high at the socket. Under the floor are two hidden night lights. A Chinese Girl figurine by __ is included, still-mounted in place.

$250 Asian Theater Moss Lamp with a figurine*

$100 Shade

$350 for Lamp, figurine & shade as shown in photo

14. Gold and White Moss Floor Lamp [Moss Model __]

This large black and white plexiglass table lamp is really a delight. Featured repeatedly in the Moss Lamp Book by Donald-Brian Johnson, it is a perfectly balanced combination of table lamp, figurine display stage, and under-floor night light. This lamp is non-moving, but there is space under the floor for a revolving motor to turn the figurine of your choice. It stands 28″ high at the socket. Under the floor are two hidden night lights. A Chinese Girl figurine by __ is included, still-mounted in place.

$250 Asian Theater Moss Lamp with a figurine*

$100 Shade

$350 for Lamp, figurine & shade as shown in photo

Figurine Choices

During the 15-year heyday of Moss plexiglass lamps, the company culture was geared toward flexibility in terms of figurines, rather than ridgid specification. That’s why many collectors of the figurines of this period use Moss Lamps as a means to display the figures, rather than the other way around. The lamps in this offering are presented with the figures in the way we found them; however, we are willing to switch figures from one lamp to another, just the way the mosses would have in the 1950s.

If you see a lamp you would prefer with a different figure than that shown, just email us. We will accommodate you as best we can, even if it means a credit for a lamp with no figure at all.

The shade is original to this lamp and belongs with it; therefore we are offering the lamp and shade together and only together.

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About Moss Lamps

Moss Lamps are considered iconic creations of the 1950s although the company’s history predates this designation. The Moss family business, lead by Mr. Robert Moss, actually started production in 1937. During the early 1940s, Moss was the largest supplier of table lamps to Sears. When Sears sold a sofa, they sometimes threw in a pair of Moss Lamps for free.

Then came WWII and the rationing of metal. To survive, Moss Lamps shifted production to plexiglass, a relatively new material that was plentiful, cheap, and highly adaptable to the creative ideas of Moss designers. At about the same time, one Ms. Thelma Moss entered the family scene. With an already successful fashion business of her own to rest, Mr. Robert’s lovely socialite bride began to exert her influence on the lamp empire. What Thelma imagined, Moss designers made, and Thelma imagined plenty. First, she thought that lamps should “do something.” Thus, came lamps with revolving platforms to spin seductive figurines. During the 1950s, top ceramic designers of the day, such as Hedi Schoop, Ceramic Arts Studios, Lefton, Yona, and De Lee, competed to create figurines worthy of Moss lamps. [Is it just us, or do all these figures seem to resemble the curvaceous Mrs. Moss?]

Topping the lamps were shades made of “spun glass;” a Moss secret-formula of soft angel hair and adhesives cured in a metal mold. Unfortunately, the longevity of spun glass was not in sync with that of plexiglass. Over time, while the lamps look good-as-new, the secret-formula has turned from bright white to coconut-husk brown and the angel hair has had, well, one long bad-hair day. As such, few usable Moss shades remain in good condition.

Notwithstanding, in the post-war years Moss lamps sold like crazy, man. They were functional, beautiful, hip, entertaining and above all modern. Encouraged by the success of the spinners, Thelma lobbied for other embellishments. To her, the lamps became mini-stages to be lit not only above and below the figures, but even inside the supports. Planters and crazy flower arrangements were added, as were music boxes to accompany the spinners. Then came clocks, radios, home intercom systems, fountains, bars, fish tanks… yikes!

Moss plexiglass lamps were the ultimate modern lamp from 1950-1963. During these years, when Sears sold a pair of Moss Lamps, they sometimes threw in a sofa for free. Ironically, after 1963 and several mergers, Moss Lamps devolved back to Sears standard fare table lamps. The firm closed in 1968. Thelma and Robert Moss lived long productive lives, designing over 1,000 of these amazing and delightful plexiglass beauties that say “mid-century modern” better than any other lamp.

Sources. Moss Lamps Lighting the 1950s by Donald-Brian Johnson; hipsterhaven.com; retroradar.com

Sputnik’s Station now has the pleasure of hosting the divesture of a collector’s, well, collection. You are cordially invited to join us at the 14th Street Antiques Market in downtown Atlanta for our first annual Moss Lamp Show and Sale. If you are a Moss Lamp collector, we want to hear from you. If you have lamps you want to sell, or even just show off, this is your chance.

14th Street
See this Gem at Sputnik’s Station

Sputnik’s Station is a new dealer in the elegant and distinctive 14th Street Antique Market in downtown Atlanta.

No matter who you are or where you are from, you will love visiting 14th Street, Atlanta’s largest antiques store. The upper-front half is filled with museum-quality art and furniture, such as dazzling chandeliers that are just a joy to look at. The basement includes not only a few of Atlanta’s oldest and best antiques dealers, like Paces Antiques, but also lamp repair, locksmith, and furniture repair services for Atlanta finest antiquities. If that’s not enough, international dealers from France, Italy, and England also keep shop here between their US shows.

To find Sputnik’s Station, go leftward from the entrance, down the main aisle and around past the fine jewelry and designer handbag and shoe shop into what we call The Market. For the most concentrated area of mid-century modern furnishings, go straight ahead to the last aisle. You will recognize Sputnik’s Station’s three booths by our pink logo, the whimsical floating stars, funky sofas, and of course our unique collection of Moss Lamps. If that doesn’t get you there, just ask one of our knowledgeable sales reps, most of whom are designers themselves.

At our 14th Street location, we carry several petite pieces of furniture, perfect for small spaces like lofts, apartments, or condos. If you like the styles of the machine age, retro, Hollywood Regency, and all those other buzz words affiliated with American life from the mid-1930s through the early 1970s, you’ll love Sputnik’s Station. Check us out!

If you are downtown and looking for a great place to spend an afternoon come on over and peruse Sputnik’s Station at the 14th Street Antique Market. Your shopping experience will be well worth the trip. Parking is plentiful and free.

14th Street Antiques Market

530 14th Street, NW

Atlanta, GA 30318

Open Mon-Sat 10-5; Sun 1-5

404-325-4600 store

Temporary Special Directions

The 14th Street Antiques Market is on the west side of the I75/I85 Connector, just beyond the Georgia Tech campus, exactly 3 blocks due south of Ikea. When the new 14th Street Exit opens in September, we will be so easy to find! Meanwhile, the best way to approach the store is from Northside Drive.

From I75 Northbound take the Northside Drive Exit

go left (south) to 14th Street,

go left (east) just 1/10th of a mile.

The store is on the right.

From the I75/I85 Connector Southbound, take the North Avenue Exit,

go right (west) to Northside Drive,

go right (north) to 14th Street,

go right (east) just 1/10th of a mile.

The store is on the right.

For more detailed information about this item, call dealer

Rebecca Thomson directly at:

404-213-7077 mobile, or

770-587-1009 home office, or write

SputniksStation@aol.com
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Knoll Cushions

sputnik — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:03:21 +0000

Brand new beautiful brown microfiber cushions by Knoll.

George Jetson’s Own Sofa and Chair

sputnik — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:02:26 +0000

What can I say about this marvelous sofa and chair? Everyone who looks at instantly says: “Look, it’s the Jetson’s sofa!” I found this at a moving sale in Ft Lauderdale. The family had owned it for 5 years. They bought it in Miami.

This magnificent sofa and chair set is solid turquoise with fender \arms that swirl out with white inserts like a 57 chevy. It is 5 years old but has a mid-century modern look.

It is perfect for your fantasy space-age groovy retro modern place. It would even be perfect in a traditional home in a fun-loving media room, teen hang-out, or pool-side rec room.

The color is hard to photo: it is a turquoise that is close to the first photo; definitely not as blue as some of the photos appear.

It is in very good condition (one spot on the sofa arm). Versatile ultrasuede material is easy to clean. It is HUGE: the sofa is 9’2” and the chair is 5′ at the widest points.

This is a MUST SEE. We challenge you to find another like it anywhere!

purchases from Dealer RPT at 14th Street Antiques Market–-

Roses Roses

sputnik — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:19:40 +0000

When it comes to barkcloth, where would America be without Roses? It was Waverly who first used the term “barkcloth” to boast about it’s delicious rough texture. Rough had been out for so many millenia.

Waverly found desireable traits of color refraction, wearability and such in this cotton blend of the 20th Century. Suddenly, women wanted BOLD and bold they got in Waverly prints, bold blue roses, bold pink roses, bold green roses, bold purple roses. Nevermind that no one could find most of these colors in their gardens, women could have any color they wanted in iany flower they wanted, as long as it was ROSES!.

Dancing Leaves by Salvadore Dali

sputnik — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:08:25 +0000

Great designs work their way into all forms of art; and fabric being one of the fundamental art forms is the first place to look for great design.

We are told that Salvadore Dali shed his grim messages when it came to desiging for the rag trade. And rag he did. Gitterbug too. And wals, and foxtrot. And ballet. I lost count at 18 dance styles on this high-motion version Dali put together for Waverly. It is so beautiful. And comes in at least five colorways. We have green, brown, and russet on hand in our Kudzu store.