1970s Large White Adjustable Desk Lamp by AKA Veb East Germany

A highly unusual, large, white adjustable desk lamp made by AKA VEB of the former East Germany (DDR). The lamp features a heavy cast iron base (the underside of which bears a date stamp for 1978) with a chromed vertical pole upon which the fully adjustable shade is located. The height of the shade is adjustable via a knob wheel and the shade itself is rotatable on two axes to orientate it to the perfect position for use, whether that be by the bedside, on a shelf, a desk, or a side table. The lamp is definitely not “common or garden” (in fact, find another one like it!) and it’s built very solidly indeed. There are minor signs of use and wear and the odd scuff to the paintwork, particularly to the edge of the shade, but the shade itself is in excellent shape. Minor blemishes can be found upon close inspection on the base, but it is generally extremely good. The chrome and other metal parts are good and clean and the plastics show very little if any discoloration and all feel sound and strong. There’s plenty of life left in this ever-so-slightly idiosyncratic lamp!

The main vertical measures approximately 43 cm (17 in.) and the base measures 17cm (6¾ in.) in diameter and 2.5cm (1 in.) in height. The shade rim measures 12.5cm (5 in.) in diameter, 9cm (3½ in.) at the rear, with a length of approximately 15cm (6 in.) and the holder takes a large screw (E27) bulb. The lamp weighs approximately 2.5 Kg in total.