The green Banker's Lamp, originally known as the Emeralite Desk Lamp, was first introduced in 1909 by Harrison D. McFaddin in New York. Its distinctive emerald-green glass shade and elegant brass construction quickly made it a favorite in banks, libraries, law offices, and executive workspaces.
The name "Emeralite" was derived from the combination of the words "emerald" and "light," referring to the lamp's famous green glass shade. Over the following decades, the design became one of the most recognizable desk lamps in the world and remains a symbol of knowledge, professionalism, and timeless style.
Below is an example of an early Emeralite trademark and manufacturer badge.
How the Emeralite Lamp Became a Design Icon
Following its introduction in 1909, the Emeralite Lamp quickly gained popularity across banks, libraries, law offices, and government buildings throughout the United States.
Its unique design combined a solid brass structure with a distinctive green glass shade. The shade directed light downward onto books and documents while reducing glare from early electric bulbs, making it especially useful for reading and desk work.
Throughout the twentieth century, the lamp became closely associated with professionals, academics, bankers, and lawyers. As a result, the design gradually became known as the "Banker's Lamp" and remains one of the most recognizable desk lamps ever created.
Today, original antique Emeralite lamps are highly sought after by collectors, while modern interpretations continue to bring the same timeless elegance to contemporary interiors.
Early Emeralite Advertisements
The appearance that applied for a patent
The 8743 series
Placed on the piano 8743
Libraries like to use this
Later advertisements
More than a century after its invention, the Banker's Lamp remains one of the most recognizable lighting designs in the world. Its timeless combination of elegance, functionality, and cultural significance continues to inspire modern interpretations.
Today, rechargeable cordless Banker's Lamps preserve the iconic appearance of the original Emeralite design while offering the freedom and flexibility required for contemporary homes, libraries, restaurants, and workspaces.
The Evolution of the Banker's Lamp
For more than a century, the Banker's Lamp has evolved alongside changing workspaces and lighting technology.
While the original Emeralite lamps were designed for fixed office desks and required permanent wiring, modern Banker's Lamps have embraced rechargeable LED technology.
Today's cordless Banker's Lamps retain the iconic brass construction and emerald-green shade of the original design while offering greater flexibility for libraries, restaurants, home offices, reading rooms, and executive workspaces.
This evolution allows the timeless aesthetic of the Banker's Lamp to remain relevant in contemporary interiors without the limitations of visible power cords.
Explore Modern Cordless Banker's Lamps
Inspired by the original Emeralite design, our cordless banker lamps combine classic styling with modern rechargeable technology.
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