Tramp Lamp

"Tramp Art" (a term I suppose isn't quite as offensive as "Bum Bling") dates back to the late 1870's. It's decidedly low brow in the art world, but can be quite beautiful.  It refers to art or even everyday objects that were created by the common man (and woman) using salvaged pieces of wood including anything from popsicle sticks to cigar boxes, fruit crates and wooden spools.

I found this Tramp art lamp at an estate sale during my lunch hour today.

While it's clearly hand done, the precison is pretty impressive.

 Each piece is hand-carved, slotted and fitted together.  I can't imagine how long it took to make.

There are two drawers in the base.  The lamp switch is on the front right of the base.

 It measures 14" x 6" x 8.5" tall.

The roof is removable to provide access to the bulb.

Not to be confused with "Trench art" which was made by soliders and sailors from spent shell casings, "Tramp" art is really a misnomer.  It was coined in the 1950's to categorize this type of folk art, but the majority of pieces were made by average people with an above average talent for woodworking and whittling.