Seleny Madrid - Table lamp - Desk - Metal - Foldable

05
days
00
hours
14
minutes
20
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Michel Karis
Expert
Selected by Michel Karis

Art historian with extensive experience working at various auction houses in antiques.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
No bids placed

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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

Vintage Shop SL is a prominent antique store that since 2010 has been committed to customer satisfaction and sustainability. This shop is not only a cultural treasure that preserves the history and heritage of our societies, but also strives to operate in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. At Vintage Shop SL, we believe that customer service is essential to our success. Our highly trained team is dedicated to providing friendly, knowledgeable, and personalized service. We take pride in helping our customers find the perfect vintage pieces that fit their individual tastes and needs, ensuring their satisfaction and fostering lasting relationships. But that's not all. At Vintage Shop SL, we also care about the sustainability of the business and its impact on the natural environment. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting responsible business practices. On the one hand, we promote the circular economy and reuse by offering vintage items in excellent condition. By acquiring antiques at our shop, customers contribute to the conservation of natural resources by avoiding the production of new items and reducing the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and transportation.
Translated by Google Translate

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

Vintage Shop SL is a prominent antique store that since 2010 has been committed to customer satisfaction and sustainability. This shop is not only a cultural treasure that preserves the history and heritage of our societies, but also strives to operate in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. At Vintage Shop SL, we believe that customer service is essential to our success. Our highly trained team is dedicated to providing friendly, knowledgeable, and personalized service. We take pride in helping our customers find the perfect vintage pieces that fit their individual tastes and needs, ensuring their satisfaction and fostering lasting relationships. But that's not all. At Vintage Shop SL, we also care about the sustainability of the business and its impact on the natural environment. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting responsible business practices. On the one hand, we promote the circular economy and reuse by offering vintage items in excellent condition. By acquiring antiques at our shop, customers contribute to the conservation of natural resources by avoiding the production of new items and reducing the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and transportation.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Foldable
Material
Metal
Manufacturer/brand
Seleny Madrid
Model
Desk
Country of origin
Spain
Style
Art Deco
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
In working order
Yes
Height
39 cm
Width
40 cm
Depth
26 cm
Estimated period
1940-1950
SpainVerified
3647
Objects sold
91.74%
pro

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