Hala - HALA Hannover – Rare Bauhaus Telescopic Desk Lamp...

HALA Hannover – Exceptional Bauhaus-Era Telescopic Desk Lamp – Germany, 1930s–1940s An exceptional and beautifully preserved vintage German telescopic desk lamp, identified as a HALA Hannover design, dating from approximately the 1930s–1940s. A remarkable example of early German functionalist lighting, combining sophisticated mechanical construction, elegant industrial proportions and a wonderfully preserved original glossy black finish. The lamp retains its authentic historical character, with original painted surfaces, natural patina and attractive signs of age. HISTORY AND DESIGN HALA – Hannoversche Lampenfabrik was established in Hannover, Germany, around 1920 and became known for its functional and technically sophisticated lighting. The company specialised in desk lamps, industrial lighting and adjustable work lamps intended for offices, workshops, technical drawing environments and professional workspaces. HALA's early production reflected the functionalist design philosophy associated with the Bauhaus movement, combining practical engineering, geometric simplicity and durable industrial materials. This particular lamp is an attractive example of that tradition, distinguished by its telescopic height adjustment, articulated curved arm, elegant bell-shaped metal shade and substantial weighted circular base. Unlike more conventional desk lamps with flexible gooseneck arms, this model incorporates a mechanically adjustable telescopic structure, providing both versatility and an elegant architectural appearance. TELESCOPIC CONSTRUCTION AND MECHANICAL DETAILS The lamp features a beautifully proportioned tubular metal structure with a curved upper arm and adjustable shade. The telescopic column allows the overall height to be adjusted from approximately 45 cm to 60 cm. A knurled locking collar secures the adjustable section in the desired position, while a distinctive black cylindrical grip provides an elegant contrast to the silver-toned metal. The original black metal shade has a classic industrial bell-shaped profile and is connected to the arm through a robust articulated hinge with a metal screw, allowing the light to be directed as required. The combination of mechanical precision, functional simplicity and refined proportions is characteristic of German industrial lighting from the Bauhaus era. ORIGINAL BLACK FINISH AND AUTHENTIC PATINA One of the most remarkable features of this lamp is its excellent state of preservation. The shade retains its original glossy black painted finish, with attractive age-related surface marks that contribute to its authentic vintage appearance. The original painted surfaces have not been repainted or refinished. The lamp has only been gently cleaned using a damp cloth, without aggressive chemical products or abrasive polishing, in order to preserve its historical character. The metal components display natural signs of ageing, including minor scratches, wear and oxidation consistent with their considerable age. These characteristics are part of the lamp's authentic patina and have deliberately been preserved. HEAVY CAST-IRON BASE The substantial circular base measures approximately 18 cm in diameter and contributes to the lamp's excellent stability. Its construction combines a heavy cast-iron base with an elegant stepped silver-toned metal cover and a contrasting black outer rim. The combination of the polished-looking metal surfaces and black detailing gives the lamp a particularly attractive appearance. A small metal toggle switch is present on the base. This was installed at a later date solely to cover the original switch opening, as a suitable original or period-correct replacement could not be sourced. The toggle switch is not connected to the electrical operation of the lamp. The underside retains remnants of its aged paper covering, with partially visible historical markings and considerable age-related deterioration, as clearly documented in the photographs. RENEWED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM – FULLY OPERATIONAL The electrical installation has been renewed to make the lamp suitable for contemporary use. It is equipped with a black twisted textile-covered electrical cable, a modern German-style Schuko plug and a conventional black inline on/off switch. The lamp is switched on and off exclusively through the inline switch on the cable. The electrical system has been tested and the lamp is fully operational, as demonstrated in the photographs showing it illuminated. The modern electrical components have been carefully selected to remain visually sympathetic to the historical design. DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT Maximum height when fully extended: approximately 60 cm Minimum height when retracted: approximately 45 cm Base diameter: 18 cm Lampshade diameter: 13.5 cm Lampshade height: 17 cm Total weight: approximately 2.3 kg CONDITION Very good vintage condition considering its considerable age. The lamp is exceptionally attractive and retains its original black painted finish and authentic patina. There are minor scratches, signs of wear and natural oxidation on the metal surfaces, consistent with decades of use. The telescopic structure and articulated lampshade are preserved. The electrical installation has been renewed and the lamp is in working order. The base toggle switch is a later, non-functional addition, while the underside paper covering shows significant age-related deterioration and losses. All these details are clearly illustrated in the photographs. A DISTINCTIVE COLLECTOR'S PIECE A beautifully preserved example of German Bauhaus-era industrial lighting, combining elegant functionalist design with the authentic character of an early twentieth-century object. Its adjustable telescopic construction, original black finish, substantial cast-iron base and sophisticated mechanical details make it particularly appealing to collectors of historical lighting, German industrial design and Bauhaus-inspired furniture and accessories. An impressive decorative and functional object, equally suitable for a collector's study, architect's desk, industrial loft, design gallery or carefully curated vintage interior. Manufacturer: HALA – Hannoversche Lampenfabrik, Hannover (attributed). Country of origin: Germany (attributed). Period: Circa 1930s–1940s. Designer: Unknown / Factory Design. Style: Bauhaus-era Functionalism / Industrial Design. Materials: Metal, cast iron, black lacquered surfaces and silver-toned metal components. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and accurately document the lamp's condition, construction, original patina and later electrical modifications.

Estimate:£126.92

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