Seleny Madrid - Table lamp - Desk - Metal - Foldable






Art historian with extensive experience working at various auction houses in antiques.
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Description from the seller
An Art Deco desk lamp from the Spanish firm Seleny Madrid, dating from the 1940s, of the so‑called “banker’s lamp” or desk lamp with adjustable shade type.
Description
Body in lacquered metal in military/olive green, with a hammered texture typical of industrial production of the era. An elongated rectangular lampshade with a trapezoidal profile, the sides forming a closed angle that concentrates and directs the light downward — a design typical of bank or office desk lamps. The shade is articulated by a curved brass rod that allows the characteristic tilt/incline of this model, finished with a cylindrical sleeve that acts as a pivot axis.
The central stem, also lacquered metal, connects the shade to a stepped rectangular base with softened corners, in the same green lacquer. On the base are the original controls: a bone-colored Bakelite toggle switch to the left and a black circular push button to the right, both of characteristic Spanish electrotechnical manufacture from the mid‑century. The brass fixture at the base of the stem completes the chromatic pairing of lacquered metal/brass, a hallmark of late Art Deco.
Context and appraisal
Seleny was a Madrid lamp and lighting company active during the middle third of the 20th century, with a significant presence in furnishing offices, banks, and study rooms of the era — hence the “banker’s lamp” typology, highly sought after in the Spanish vintage industrial design market. The condition here is notable: the tilt mechanism and both controls are present, with the lacquer showing natural wear from use (some chipping on edges) rather than structural damage.
This type of piece enjoys good demand in the mid‑century Spanish design collecting segment, especially among buyers seeking functional desk pieces with an authentic vintage character. The fact that the maker’s mark is visible (if the label or marking “Seleny Madrid” is legible on the base or inside the shade) adds a traceability bonus to highlight in the sales listing, since pieces by identifiable manufacturers are valued higher than anonymous ones.
Certified shipping and careful packaging.
Seller's Story
An Art Deco desk lamp from the Spanish firm Seleny Madrid, dating from the 1940s, of the so‑called “banker’s lamp” or desk lamp with adjustable shade type.
Description
Body in lacquered metal in military/olive green, with a hammered texture typical of industrial production of the era. An elongated rectangular lampshade with a trapezoidal profile, the sides forming a closed angle that concentrates and directs the light downward — a design typical of bank or office desk lamps. The shade is articulated by a curved brass rod that allows the characteristic tilt/incline of this model, finished with a cylindrical sleeve that acts as a pivot axis.
The central stem, also lacquered metal, connects the shade to a stepped rectangular base with softened corners, in the same green lacquer. On the base are the original controls: a bone-colored Bakelite toggle switch to the left and a black circular push button to the right, both of characteristic Spanish electrotechnical manufacture from the mid‑century. The brass fixture at the base of the stem completes the chromatic pairing of lacquered metal/brass, a hallmark of late Art Deco.
Context and appraisal
Seleny was a Madrid lamp and lighting company active during the middle third of the 20th century, with a significant presence in furnishing offices, banks, and study rooms of the era — hence the “banker’s lamp” typology, highly sought after in the Spanish vintage industrial design market. The condition here is notable: the tilt mechanism and both controls are present, with the lacquer showing natural wear from use (some chipping on edges) rather than structural damage.
This type of piece enjoys good demand in the mid‑century Spanish design collecting segment, especially among buyers seeking functional desk pieces with an authentic vintage character. The fact that the maker’s mark is visible (if the label or marking “Seleny Madrid” is legible on the base or inside the shade) adds a traceability bonus to highlight in the sales listing, since pieces by identifiable manufacturers are valued higher than anonymous ones.
Certified shipping and careful packaging.
