A great example of a vintage Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson Lamp - circa 1970. It has an unusual banana leaf shade, which was probably retailed by Mouseman and purchased at the same time as the lamp. I've never seen another banana leaf shade. The vintage Mouseman lamps that normally come to the market either have no shade, a cheap shade, or occasionally a parchment shade that was retailed by Mouseman. It is very eye-catching when the lamp is lit and the colour is really vibrant. Not only can the shapes of the leaves be seen, but also the little veins too. It is a high quality shade which has been really well made. It is in good condition with just wear commensurate with age.
 
The lamp is also in very good condition. It is approximately 50 years old so has some wear from use, which can be seen on close inspection, but it has no damage and is in full working order. It has been beautifully adzed all over, even to the bottom of the base. The signature mouse has been well carved too. It is a lovely colour and it has excellent patination that you just don't get with the later examples. It is a bit smaller than the later lamps, measuring 25.5 cm high (not including the brass bulb holder), the modern lamps are 26.5 cm. These vintage lamps are becoming more sought after as the 1950s examples are now almost impossible to get hold of, and when they do come to the market they command huge prices. It's also great to see that it still has, what I believe to be, the original shade, which would have had a high retail price due to the quality and the fact that it has been hand made. Both the lamp and shade look fabulous together, but can be split up and sold separately.