The Early Show

Collecting Light In Motion

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

January 4, 2001 / 6:24 PM EST / CBS

Almost 75 years ago, lamp makers began adding motion to decorative home lighting, and gave Americans something to look at while listening to the radio.

Motion lamps became a household fixture in the 1950s and '60s. Frequently perched atop a television, they were thought to ward off eyestrain from watching TV in a dark room.

If you happen to have an old motion lamp sitting around collecting dust, you're in luck.

The Saturday Early Show's Collectibles Expert Tony Hyman says some lamps from just 40 or 50 years ago could be very valuable.

The most popular animated lamps consist of two sleeves positioned around a light bulb. The outer sleeve is fixed in place while the inner one is balanced on a sharp metal rod. As the heat given off by the bulb rises, the fins on top of the inner sleeve start to spin, creating a moving background.

Find out about other collectibles described by The Saturday Early Show's Tony Hyman in the Collectibles Archive or visit Tony Hyman's Web site.

If you think you have a collectible worth a lot of cash, send an email to sat@cbsnews.com with "What's It Worth?" in the subject line. Or write to "What's It Worth?" The Saturday Early Show, 514 West 57th St., 6th floor, New York, N.Y. 10019.

When asked about their favorite lamps, most collectors pick one made by Econolite. In business from 1946 to 1963, this prolific maker turned out more than 80 different styles. Well made with interesting scenes, these lamps are now valued at $100 to $800 or more. Previously unknown styles are being found every year.

Econolite's picture-frame lamps include the ever-popular waterfalls and forest fires, but also cars, railroads, even the White House. Values range from $200 to $500 for most, a bit more for Christmas themes.

As with most collectibles, condition is critical to pricing, but even damaged lamps may have value. Repairs are best left to experts.

For more information about motion lamps, Hyman recommends Sam and Anna Samuelian, authors of Collector’s Guide to Motion Lamps. They can be reached by e-mail at sms@bee.net. Or visit their web site at www.motionlamp.com.