The Chalet Lamps

A definite unicorn for many collectors. However, not easy to find and there is not a lot known about them. The factory produced Chalet lamps appear to have been made in two styles with the “crystal twist” lamp being the most common. Neither of the styles are shown on any of the Chalet catalog pages that we have or listed in any of the advertising that we have uncovered. So, do we have any facts at all? Well, luckily one style, the Chalet “crystal twist”, was on display at the 2010 Chalet exhibit in Cornwall and the artists were able to provide some details:

2010. The Chalet “crystal twist” lamp on display at the Cornwall “The Art and Artisans of Chalet Art Glass” retrospective.

: they were production pieces – not special orders.

: the vases were not drilled nor the lamps put together by the glass blowers. Lamp assembly was done by separate workers.

: they were not done in large quantities or for a long period of time as when the crystal twist vases were drilled for the electrical, too many split or were chipped to make them a viable and profitable production piece.

: they were not sold with shades.

: the “crystal twist” style was made in varying heights. To date, we have found a range of lamps from 10 inches to 15” in heights. And one “mini.”

: lamps were typically made in amber, olive, blue and orange. However, a rare purple and a 2 tone have been found.

: some of the vase bases were etched “Chalet Canada” while others were not

A “Chalet” downside regarding the advancements in personal hand-tool machinery from the 1960’s to the present is that there are some “home produced Chalet” lamps made from crystal twist vases. In this case, a Chalet signature being present is not a verification of factory production. So, how can you tell if a Chalet crystal twist lamp is an original Chalet factory-made piece or has been “home produced”? As shown below, check if the stem of the lamp between the vase and the socket and harp has a wooden accent – the presence or absence of this accent is the critical element in establishing authenticity of production. The factory produced Chalet lamps have this wooden accent. As well, the socket on/off mechanism may help to reinforce authenticity.

This is a set of 10” Chalet factory made crystal twist lamps. Both of the vase bases were etched “Chalet Canada.” However, more importantly, both have the prerequisite wooden accents.
There are two types of wooden ornaments. One long and one short. The long one comes without a brass tube (like Jo Highland's orange lamp shown below) and the short one comes with a brass tube. Here are the measurements:. The long wooden ornament as per 16” lamp below: height of wood stem: 4.5." Metal tube height: no tube. The short wooden ornament: wooden stem height: 2.5” and metal tube height: 2"
Note that the socket on the lamp in the photo on the left has a “key” on/off twist. Also note the chain pull in the closeup from another Chalet produced lamp at right. These types of “on/off” mechanisms also help date age of manufacture as these are not used today but are not conclusive in and of themselves. However, some authentic Chalet factory made lamps do have sockets and harps that are newer – that does not automatically preclude authenticity of the lamp. No, it is only a sign that the lamp has had some rewiring. Some genuinely factory made lamps have also had to have their electrical cords replaced. Blue lamps from the collection of Deborah Patterson.

Some crystal twist vases were made specifically for use as lamp bases:

Note the vase on right in the photo on left has a much wider throat and wide low crystal side twists – this ensured stability when inverted.

The most commonly seen Chalet lamp - the “crystal twist” vase style:

Photo of blue Chalet lamp at left courtesy of 50 Shades member Jacques Binette. The 11 ½” amber lamp (left middle) is from the collection of Gionny Gueli. The next lamp (right middle) belongs to Benjamin Gregoire. The orange 14” lamp at right belongs to Jo Highland. These are the typical colours of Chalet lamps with orange lamps being the less often found.

This set from the collection of 50 Shades members Lorne Olafson and Darcy Dietrich. As you can see from comparing these to the first blue pair shown above, there is variation in shape and colour between the sets. Variation is the norm for all hand-blown forms.

The 10” height lamps are most suited for use on a hall, desk, or bedside table. They are not really high enough for effective use on a living room end table.