Q: I have a set of 20 small Quezal lamp shades hanging from original brass fixtures that have been in my house since it was built in 1910. The living room and dining room each have a center fixture with four shades and there are single-shade fixtures at the corners of each room. There are two single-shade sconces above the fireplace mantel and a two-shade fixture in the foyer. The shades are in great condition (except for dust) and I’m wondering how I can determine the value of these lamp shades.
A: Martin Bach and Thomas Johnson founded Quezal Art Glass and Decorating Co. in Queens, New York, in 1901. Bach and Johnson worked as glass blowers at Tiffany before starting their own company. Lamp shades were the largest part Quezal’s production. It’s gold-colored iridescent glass is similar to that made by Tiffany and other companies. Martin Bach died in 1921. The company went out of business in 1924. The hanging Quezal lamp shades can sell for $100 to $200 each. A chandelier with all matching shades is worth about twice what the single shades sell for.
What an absolutely stunning treasure to have remained intact all these years later.