Other maker marks
The name “© THE / STIFFEL / COMPANY” appears among Stiffel lamp markings on label on lamp or shade from United States.
Founded in Chicago in 1932; later ownership and manufacturing changes. The brand remains active in Linden, New Jersey.
Undated
Rounded rectangular black border, Chicago street address and model fields. The visible 4 96 code belongs to this example.
printed adhesive label · label on lamp or shade · United States
Undated
Three-line company wording wrapped around the socket, with copyright symbol; differs from the single-word mixed-case logo.
printed foil label · label on lamp or shade · United States
Undated
Mixed-case Stiffel logo flanked by copyright and registered-trademark symbols; separate blue UL label below is not part of the maker mark.
printed foil label · label on lamp or shade · United States
Undated
Northbrook sub-brand above the Stiffel logo; model 1396 and 4 96 appear on this example.
printed adhesive label · label on lamp or shade · United States
Undated
Small gold rectangle with serif small-capital lettering on the inside of a shade; no Chicago address.
foil label · label on lamp or shade · United States
Ted Stiffel founded the Stiffel Lamp Company in Chicago in 1932. With a background in fine arts, he developed metal table and floor lamps that combined decorative forms with practical lighting. Brass and other metal finishes became prominent in the range. During the Second World War, the factory added a screw-machine department to make bolts and other components for military equipment. Lamp production resumed after the end of wartime contracts in 1945.
The company developed the Stiffel Switch, operated by moving the lamp column, and became associated with pole lamps as well as conventional portable lighting. Its manufacturing process included modelling, mould making, casting, polishing and surface finishing. Brass-coloured surfaces occur on different constructions, so colour alone does not establish the underlying metal.
Ownership changed over time. Salton acquired the Stiffel trademarks, intellectual property, assets and moulds during its 2001 financial year. Cutting Edge acquired the brand in 2013 and established production in Linden, New Jersey. The later business continued table and floor lamps while extending the range into contemporary lighting designs. Older Chicago labels and current New Jersey production therefore belong to different stages of the brand’s history.
Also known as: Stiffel Lamp Company · Northbrook by Stiffel · The Stiffel Lamp Company
Another Chicago lighting maker with overlapping traditional metal lamp forms. A similar shape or brass finish is insufficient; compare the actual company name on the label.
These labels occur on many makers’ lamps and do not spell Stiffel. They should not be counted as a maker’s signature.
