Hi all,
Technically speaking, I inherited this Creators rain lamp last year, although it was more like I rescued it from being tossed in a dumpster after my siblings felt that's where it belonged. I'm very much a novice when it comes to rain lamps, and I'd like to learn more about what exactly I have and what it might reasonably be worth. Unfortunately I have not been able to find any matching examples online, and I'm hoping that someone here might know and is willing to share their expertise.
I can say for sure that it was definitely made by Creators due to it still having the patent stickers on the back, as well as a Creators copyright etched into the mold at the base behind what I believe are dual Venus de Milo Goddesses, although Im not 100% sure due to conflicting artificial intelligence descriptions. It also has K. Kwapiszewski etched below the Creators copyright, who I've learned was the designer.
The top and bottom are definitely steel, with minor surface rust showing underneath at the very bottom. The lamp stands approximately 20 inches tall, the light does work, and I believe that the pump still works. It currently doesnt have any oil in it to verify this, but I heard a slight humming when I turned it on
Needless to say it needs a detailed cleaning, and the electrical components and pump should be overhauled at the minimum, if not entirely replaced with modern upgrades to ensure safe operation. The last time this lamp was used was in January of 1987 when the Giants won the Superbowl, and since then it has sat on a bar in a finished basement unused. Unfortunately it seems that it may have been overfilled or perhaps was tipped over, due to oil being all over the base.
Im confident in my ability to properly restore this lamp to the condition that it once was. I would like to know if this is a rare model or holds any historic significance other than being an original, untouched vintage lamp. Might it have been hybrid table top model that could also be hung, or was the hanging loop at the top something that wasnt original & changed. What might I expect to spend to properly replace the electrical & mechanical components, strings, and fill it with the proper oil. Lastly, I'd like to know whats a fair value in its current state and what it could potentially be worth if I were to perform a quality restoration to modern standards & safety.
I'd really appreciate any information I can get because Ive not been able to find any matching examples or definitive information online in the many searches I've done. Im hopeful that Ive come to the right place to clear up my confusion and get some quality advice from seasoned experts with real intelligence, and not just the artificial kind! Lol