1947 Black “Cobra” Desk Lamp by Jean Otis Reinecke for Faries MFG

1947 Black “Cobra” Desk Lamp by Jean Otis Reinecke for Faries MFG, American Machine Age Design
This striking black “Cobra” desk lamp, model No. 60243, was designed by Jean Otis Reinecke and manufactured by Faries MFG Co. in Decatur, Illinois, circa 1947. A defining example of American Machine Age design, this sculptural lamp is known for its sleek, aerodynamic silhouette, earning it the nickname “Cobra” for its serpentine form and forward-thrusting shade. The lamp features a lustrous black enamel finish over its streamlined cast-metal body, highlighted by the distinctive flare and curve of the neck and shade, a form that exemplifies both visual drama and functional precision.

Originally marketed for its revolutionary lighting qualities. The sturdy circular base includes a smooth-turn button switch, complementing the overall balance and symmetry of the design. The example shown here is in black lacquered metal, an unusual and highly desirable color variation from the standard production models.

Reinecke’s work with Faries reflects the transition from late Art Deco into the Streamline Moderne era, where industrial design merged elegance with practicality. This lamp remains one of the most iconic lighting designs of postwar America and is a centerpiece for collectors of industrial design, modernist interiors, or Machine Age lighting.