Seleny Madrid - Table lamp - Desk - Metal - folding

06
days
18
hours
42
minutes
48
seconds
Current bid
€ 38
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
IT
€38

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Description from the seller

An Art Deco desk lamp by the Spanish firm Seleny Madrid, dating from the 1940s, of the typology “banker's lamp” or swing-arm desk lamp.

Description

Body in lacquered metal in military/olive green, with a hammered texture typical of the industrial production of the era. Rectangular elongated shade with a trapezoidal profile, with the sides at a closed angle that concentrate and direct light downward — a typical design for a bank or office desk lamp. The shade is articulated by a curved brass-brushed arm that allows the characteristic tilt/inclination of this model, ending in a cylindrical sleeve acting as a pivot.

The central stem, also lacquered metal, connects the shade to a rectangular, stepped-profile base with softened corners, in the same green lacquer. On the base are the original controls: a tan Bakelite toggle switch on the left and a black circular pushbutton on the right, both of characteristic manufacture of mid-century Spanish electrotechnics. The brass socket at the base of the stem completes the chromatic set metal lacquer/brass, a hallmark of late Art Deco.

Context and appraisal

Seleny was a Madrid-based company of lamps and lighting fixtures that operated actively during the second third of the 20th century, with a relevant presence in furnishing offices, banks and studios of the era — hence the “banker's lamp” typology, highly sought after in the market of vintage Spanish industrial design. The condition here is notable: tilt mechanism and both original controls are present, with the lacquer showing natural wear from use (some chips on edges) rather than structural damage.

This type of piece has good demand in the mid-20th-century Spanish industrial design collector market, especially among buyers seeking functional desk pieces with an authentic vintage character. The fact that the maker’s mark is still visible (if the label or marking “Seleny Madrid” is legible on the base or inside the shade) adds a traceability premium to highlight in the sales listing, since identified manufacturer pieces fetch higher prices 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 by the Spanish firm Seleny Madrid, dating from the 1940s, of the typology “banker's lamp” or swing-arm desk lamp.

Description

Body in lacquered metal in military/olive green, with a hammered texture typical of the industrial production of the era. Rectangular elongated shade with a trapezoidal profile, with the sides at a closed angle that concentrate and direct light downward — a typical design for a bank or office desk lamp. The shade is articulated by a curved brass-brushed arm that allows the characteristic tilt/inclination of this model, ending in a cylindrical sleeve acting as a pivot.

The central stem, also lacquered metal, connects the shade to a rectangular, stepped-profile base with softened corners, in the same green lacquer. On the base are the original controls: a tan Bakelite toggle switch on the left and a black circular pushbutton on the right, both of characteristic manufacture of mid-century Spanish electrotechnics. The brass socket at the base of the stem completes the chromatic set metal lacquer/brass, a hallmark of late Art Deco.

Context and appraisal

Seleny was a Madrid-based company of lamps and lighting fixtures that operated actively during the second third of the 20th century, with a relevant presence in furnishing offices, banks and studios of the era — hence the “banker's lamp” typology, highly sought after in the market of vintage Spanish industrial design. The condition here is notable: tilt mechanism and both original controls are present, with the lacquer showing natural wear from use (some chips on edges) rather than structural damage.

This type of piece has good demand in the mid-20th-century Spanish industrial design collector market, especially among buyers seeking functional desk pieces with an authentic vintage character. The fact that the maker’s mark is still visible (if the label or marking “Seleny Madrid” is legible on the base or inside the shade) adds a traceability premium to highlight in the sales listing, since identified manufacturer pieces fetch higher prices 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
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
SpainVerified
3825
Objects sold
92.48%
pro

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