The Marbro Lamp Company was one of the finest lamp producers during the mid-1900s. Its pieces were mainly sold in a handful of exclusive furniture shops. Marbro was the go-to supplier of Hollywood Regency and mid-century modern style lighting for interior designers. Its table lamps, chandeliers, floor lamps and wall sconces have graced the homes of many celebrities.
Brothers Morris and Elliott Markoff founded the Marbro Lamp Company in 1934. Its name is a combination of “Markoff” and “brothers.” The brothers relocated from Chicago to southern California after the end of World War II and set up an assembly plant in the garment district of Los Angeles.
Vases and objets d’art, sourced from all over the world, were used as lamp bases. The brass bases came from India, alabaster from Italy, porcelain from Japan and China and crystal from Germany and France. Murano glass and whimsical bronze figurines were two of the more popular base materials.
Marbro lamps were one-of-a-kind and took between 75 and 90 days to complete. Occasionally, they were made from sculptures that customers brought into the factory. Highly skilled woodturners and shade-makers crafted lampshades and wooden bases in Marbro’s shop. Some metal and glass pieces went through paint or staining treatments. The company’s best-known products were these table lamps, but it also produced a wide variety of decorative objects.
The Masco Corporation acquired the Marbro Lamp Company in 1987. Its Los Angeles assembly plant shuttered its doors in 1990. Its equipment and remaining inventory were moved to LaBarge Mirrors — a Masco subsidiary — in Michigan. Shortly after, the production of Marbro lamps ended.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Marbro Lamp Company lighting, decorative objects and more.
Italian Neoclassical Gilt Tole Metal, Crystal & Putto Table Lamp
Located in Chicago, IL
Italian gilt tole metal foliage, twisted stem and white majolica putto table lamp. Crystal ornament. Carrera marble with acanthus leaf base. Sold sans shade.
Carrara Marble, Gold Leaf
Neoclassical Crackle Glaze & Parcel Gilt Greek Key Table Lamp
By Rembrandt Lamp Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Excellent aged crackle glaze ceramic bodied table lamp, with parcel gilt Greek key detailing and a center pull style adornment. Mounted on a black lacquered block of wood lending the...
Wood
Marbro Hand-Painted Parcel-Gilt White Porcelain Table Lamp
By The Marbro Lamp Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-painted 50" tall gold leaf cherry blossoms on white ceramic chinoiserie table lamp by Marbro. Cast brass Ming style base, brushed brass stem and Dual socket illumination with br...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Neoclassical Tripod Base Brass Table Lamp by Stiffel
By Stiffel, Edwin Cole
Located in Chicago, IL
Brass neoclassical dual socket table lamp by Stiffel. The base is an antiqued solid brass tripod with Italianate legs and a segmented baluster. The switch pulls chains end in a unique turned wood finial. Quite impressive in size and form. Most likely an Edwin Cole design...
Brass
Italian Portoro Marble Table Lamp After Hansen
By Hansen Lighting Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Black Italian portoro marble column table lamp in the manner of the T.H. Rogsjohn-Gibbings designed table lamps for Hansen Lighting. Nickeled ste...
Nickel
Rare Marbro Brass Empire Style Pendant Lamp
By The Marbro Lamp Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare and exceptional Marbro shaded Empire style hanging light. Solid brass body with solid brass filigreed Silhouette handles and large top finial. Double brass socket with brass bal...
Brass
Late 19th Century Apollo Bust Table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th century neoclassic style bronze Apollo bust converted into table lamp. Shade is not included
Bronze
Neoclassical Églomisé Table Lamp Cherub & Porpoise Detail Base
Located in Fulton, CA
Églomisé table lamp with cherub theme. Glass body mounted to a metal base with porpoise detail. Base measures 5.5 inches square.
Metal
Italian Neoclassical Capodimonte Style Figural Porcelain Urn Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Glazed Porcelain, Cast Brass, New Linen Shade, Wood Base Dimensions: 37"H x 9"W x 9"D Shade: 10"H x 17"W x 17"D This sculptural por...
Brass
Single Italian Urn Neoclassic Alabaster Table Lamp
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Single smaller scale vintage Italian Neoclassical style table lamp made from hand-carved alabaster, featuring a urn-shaped body and brass fittings. New 3 way brass socket. Wired for ...
Alabaster, Brass
French Neoclassical Urn Shape Table Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Patinated Metal, New Shade Style: French Neoclassical Condition: Newly Rewired Dimensions: 22”H x 6.50”W x 5”D Shade: 10.50”H x 13”W x 13”D
Metal
Single Italian Urn Neoclassic Alabaster Table Lamp
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Single vintage Italian Neoclassical style table lamp made from hand-carved alabaster, featuring a floral carved band on urn-shaped body and brass fittings. Newly wired with 3 way soc...
Alabaster, Brass
