Art Deco brass and metal adjustable desk lamp titled 'Guardsman' by Faries Manufacturing Company

The Faries Manufacturing Company, founded in Decatur, Illinois in the early 20th century, became renowned for producing high-quality industrial and task lighting. The 'Guardsman' model, designed by Bert Dickerson, emerged during the Art Deco period of the 1920s-1940s and featured innovative articulating mechanisms that allowed users to adjust both height and angle. These lamps were originally marketed to professionals such as pharmacists, bankers, and draftsmen who required precise, focused lighting for detailed work. Faries lamps are highly sought after by collectors of Art Deco lighting, industrial design enthusiasts, and vintage home decor aficionados. The combination of functional engineering, quality brass construction, and timeless aesthetic appeal makes these pieces particularly desirable. Collectors appreciate the craftsmanship and the lamp's representation of American industrial design during the interwar period, while interior designers value them for adding authentic vintage character to both traditional and contemporary spaces.