Slag glass is an opaque, pressed glass characterized by rich, marbled swirls created by adding iron slag or other minerals to molten glass. It features a tulip or lotus blossom shape composed of curved glass panels. The panels are often held together by decorative metal flourishes, frequently made of brass or bronze-patinated metal. These are typically found as "swag lamps, " which use a long decorative chain and an electrical cord that plugs directly into a wall outlet rather than requiring hard-wiring.
Slag glass lamps originated in the late 19th century, produced by prominent firms like. Many tulip-shaped hanging lamps found today are 1970s-era reproductions or "Tiffany-style" pieces. While many were mass-produced without signatures, similar designs have been attributed to manufacturers such as.Check the top "crown" of the shade or near the socket for stamps like "EF Industries" or "Miller". A magnet will not stick to solid brass but will stick to brass-plated steel or iron. Older 1970s plugs often have larger plastic casings, while 1960s plugs may have a more distinctive head shape.
