Seleny Madrid - Table lamp - Desk - Metal - folding
05
days
11
hours
42
minutes
01
second
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
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.
**Description**
Body in metal lacquered in military/olive green, with a hammered texture very typical of the industrial production of the era. Rectangular elongated shade with a trapezoidal profile, with the sides in a closed angle that concentrates and directs the light downward — a design typical of bank or office desk lamps. The shade articulates via a curved brass-turned arm that allows the tilt/inclination characteristic of this model, finished in a cylindrical sleeve that acts as a pivot.
The central stem, also in lacquered metal, connects the shade with a rectangular base of stepped profile and softened corners, in the same green lacquer. On the base are the original controls: a bone-colored Bakelite toggle switch on the left and a black circular pushbutton on the right, both of a distinctive hallmark of mid-century Spanish electro-technology. The brass socket at the base of the stem completes the chromatic set of lacquered metal/brass, a hallmark of late Art Deco.
**Context and appraisal**
Seleny was a Madrid-based lamp and lighting fixtures company active during the second third of the 20th century, with a relevant presence in outfitting offices, banks and executive spaces of the era — hence the "banker’s lamp" typology, highly sought after in the market for Spanish vintage industrial design. The condition here is notable: tilt mechanism and both original controls present, with the lacquer showing natural wear from use (some chipping on edges) rather than structural damage.
This type of piece has solid demand in the mid-century Spanish industrial design collectibles segment, especially among buyers seeking functional desk pieces with authentic vintage character. The fact that the brand remains visible (if the label or marking "Seleny Madrid" is legible on the base or inside the shade) adds a level of traceability that should be highlighted in the sales listing, since pieces from an identified maker command a premium over anonymous ones.
Certified shipping and good packing.
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 TranslateAn 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.
**Description**
Body in metal lacquered in military/olive green, with a hammered texture very typical of the industrial production of the era. Rectangular elongated shade with a trapezoidal profile, with the sides in a closed angle that concentrates and directs the light downward — a design typical of bank or office desk lamps. The shade articulates via a curved brass-turned arm that allows the tilt/inclination characteristic of this model, finished in a cylindrical sleeve that acts as a pivot.
The central stem, also in lacquered metal, connects the shade with a rectangular base of stepped profile and softened corners, in the same green lacquer. On the base are the original controls: a bone-colored Bakelite toggle switch on the left and a black circular pushbutton on the right, both of a distinctive hallmark of mid-century Spanish electro-technology. The brass socket at the base of the stem completes the chromatic set of lacquered metal/brass, a hallmark of late Art Deco.
**Context and appraisal**
Seleny was a Madrid-based lamp and lighting fixtures company active during the second third of the 20th century, with a relevant presence in outfitting offices, banks and executive spaces of the era — hence the "banker’s lamp" typology, highly sought after in the market for Spanish vintage industrial design. The condition here is notable: tilt mechanism and both original controls present, with the lacquer showing natural wear from use (some chipping on edges) rather than structural damage.
This type of piece has solid demand in the mid-century Spanish industrial design collectibles segment, especially among buyers seeking functional desk pieces with authentic vintage character. The fact that the brand remains visible (if the label or marking "Seleny Madrid" is legible on the base or inside the shade) adds a level of traceability that should be highlighted in the sales listing, since pieces from an identified maker command a premium over anonymous ones.
Certified shipping and good packing.
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 TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
folding
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
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