Thursday, January 9, 2014

Ralphie's Dad's Leg Table Lamp

One of the frequently-televised Christmastime specials is Jean Sheperd's  "The Christmas Story."  Briefly, it recounts the adventures of Ralphie, a preteen boy who wants to have a air rifle for Christmas.  Anyway, one amusing vignette in this much-loved story is the strong desire that Ralphie's dad had to own a table lamp suitable for display in an open window.  Said table lamp had a gaudy base shaped like a lady's leg; moreover, clad in a net stocking.

I thought, at the time of having seen the program, that it was merely a result of the humorist's wry imagination.  And, who knows, maybe it was at one time.  However, there are numerous variants of this lamp actually marketed, ranging in price from $20 to $240.

I must admit to never having seen this lamp in situ.  But I do not have extensive knowledge of New Orleans uptown décor, fraternity house modern, or the contemporary brothel international style.  Furthermore, is this one possible décor item that is either bestowed as a joke, or one whose purchase generates a lot of buyer's remorse?

Very clearly, there are unique stories worth telling.  Like Mama's old silver loafers that she still keeps from her university days, yet neither wears nor allows me to wear.



9 comments:

Bilbo said...

Such a lamp is a bit on the tacky side, but probably does come with an interesting backstory. At our house, we have two silent servants, Henri and Marcel: Henri is a classic butler, a bit over 3 feet tall, who stands in a corner of the breakfast nook and holds a tray full of notepads, pens, coupons, and such; Marcel is about half Henri's size, dressed the same way, and is crafted so that he can hold a bottle of wine for presentation. There is another figure available, who I have named Sylvia, who has the same pose as Henri, but wears a classic French maid costume. Perhaps someday she will join the staff at Chez Bilbo, too ...

TexWisGirl said...

it is a great gag gift item. :)

Anonymous said...

It's tscky but hilarious!

Rudolph said...

A stripper's leg lamp?

Mike said...

The movie is from 1983. I remember these legs... I mean lamps from before then.

Cloudia said...

Classic artifact!


Aloha

Insane Penguin said...

A great find in an antique store in Detroit!

Hell Hound said...

It's great artistic satire.

eViL pOp TaRt said...

Bilbo, Sylvia sounds like she needs to be elevated to full status!