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The Marbro Lamp Company, founded in 1934 by Morris (1898-1978) and Elliott (1899-1988) Markoff in Los Angeles, CA, produced costly lamps whose bases were produced from antique ceramic or Italian glass pieces. Its name was a contraction of "Markoff Brothers." This firm operated in Los Angeles until 1987, when the Monroe, MI-based conglomerate, Masco, purchased the company and moved manufacturing to the Midwest. By the early 2000s, Marbro lamps had become actively collected for their unique aesthetic qualities and scarcity. In 1987, an average Marbro lamp retailed for $1,250. Lamp bases were often antique ceramic items or modern pieces selected by the Markoffs; many Marbro lamps featured Muranese Italian glass bases. A notable feature of a Marbro lamp was its bronze finish, applied in a unique process considered a proprietary secret. Shades were also produced in this manufacturing facility, hand-stitched by company seamstresses.

PCAD id: 17227