Aristocrat

The Aristocrat, series 1100, came out in 1966 with a white porcelainized base and hand-applied gold paint, which varied from loose loops to tight curves. Collectors call it the “squiggle Aristocrat.” It uses a 52 oz. globe and stands 16.5″ tall. The cap was painted gold. Around 1967, the black version (series 1110) was introduced, and caps started matching the base color. Not long after, the all-brass version with pinholes series 1120 showed up. Some late squiggle units also have pinholes. Series 1100 and 1110 were discontinued around 1970.

Around that same time, the brass model briefly used a taller, narrower cone. When it was swapped back, the standard shape stayed but was now about 1/4″ shorter. The Commander was a short-run matte black model from the early ’70s, but the series number isn’t known. The follow up model the Midnight Aristocrat came back around 1995 as a Target exclusive, only in yellow/blue and yellow/purple. The Midnight (series 1400) and , in yellow/blue and yellow/purple only. Around 1997 or 1998, the (series 1400) & Silver (series 1600) Aristocrats showed up in 1997 or 1998. In 2003, production moved to China, pinholes were dropped, and the model was renamed the Premier.

The 1966 lineup used color codes 03 (blue/green), 05 (“Champagne Mist”), and 06 (clear/red). Sometime around 1967, 05 was likely replaced by 02 (yellow/orange) in most models, except the Continental and Savoy.

Finding the right R20 reflector bulb for early squiggles can be a hassle. Most modern ones don’t fit. Buying older bulbs secondhand is usually the best option. Sizing also varies by brand. The table below lists bulbs that fit and ones that don’t.

Century

The Century was Lava Lite’s longest-running model, first introduced in 1965. Its design was based on Crestworth’s 1963 Astro. At launch, it didn’t have a model name or number—it was simply called “The Lava Lite.” Like the Astro, the base had a seamless copper finish at the pinch, but Lava Lite added starlight perforations, a black plastic tray, and a rotary switch on the side. Due to the perforations, the Century is often mistakenly referred to as a “Starlight” model.

Photos confirm that these early units were produced and sold, but none are known to survive today. Color code 05 originally referred to cream lava in lavender liquid, then blue lava in lavender liquid, and later “Champagne Mist,” which used cream lava in a hazy amber fluid.

This original version doesn’t appear in 1966 or 1967 catalogs or booklets, but does show up in 1968 materials. It’s possible that the model was discontinued when a broader range of designs launched, then brought back that same year. The later version used a two-part base: an upper cone attached to an inner cylinder that held the socket. The finish remained satin copper, now paired with a gold cap. The switch was removed, and the tray was updated with three small feet. Around 1970, the familiar brass finish began to appear, though early versions (up to ~1973) often faded to silver due to issues with the gold lacquer.

If the 1968 reintroduction is accurate, the model number 100 may have been chosen to reflect it being the first in the lineup. Before the GemLites, most other models used four-digit series numbers. The name “Century” may have been a nod to this numbering.

In 1995, the Silver Century (series 200) was released, followed by the Midnight Century (series 400) in 1996. All versions were discontinued in 2003.

The green/clear Century shown above is a refill. The one in the center is one of the few known originals in color 01.

Consort

The Consort is the most common model in the 20oz lineup. It originally had a five inch square walnut base with brass metal parts. Around 1968, the base was replaced with woodgrain molded brown plastic. The support design also changed, going from a straight tube with a flush metal disk to a flared tube on both ends. In the photo above, the red glitter lamp has a plastic base, while the others are wood. All five shown with the glitter are refills. Other wood-based models in production at the time did not switch to plastic. As with other models, color 05 was soon replaced by color 02.

Known variants include versions with a cross or menorah printed on the globe(Meditation Series), a clown version, the Windsor with a round metal base, and the Nordic in chrome.

These globes are known for being hard to find in working condition. They used a lower temperature wax blend that tends to stop flowing with age. Over time, the balance changes and the wax may float to the top. For repair instructions, see the 12oz lamp repair section.

Continental & Savoy

The Continental was a cordless, non-electric lamp heated by a wax candle inside a replaceable glass cup. It used a 20oz globe with a special mix and stood about 14 inches tall. The globe sat in a metal collar with a pinch for support and vents below. This collar screwed onto the candle cups. These were made for the 1960s patio-living trend. Each candle came with a wire extension to hold a match for lighting.

There were several versions. The first had a shallow metal tray base, and the finish was satin silver. At that point, color 05 Champagne Mist was one of the standard options. It came with a yellow glass cup, while 03 came with green, and 06 with red. The second version, shown below, had snap-on metal legs instead of the tray. By then, color 05 had been replaced with 02, which came with an orange glass cup, and the metal finish changed to chrome. These colored glass cups had a rough surface. All styles used chrome or silver metal with round vent holes. The first version also had internal supports and an asbestos disk that could be inserted or removed to adjust the flow speed.

The final version returned to silver instead of chrome. It used a plain frosted candle cup and sat in a taller metal tray. Vent holes were diamond shaped, with some having extra small round holes between and below the diamonds.

There is a lot of confusion around model names and numbers. Originally, the Continental Gift Pak was series 3300, available in silver or chrome and sold to the public. The Savoy Commercial Model was series 3200, only in brass and sold to restaurants and similar settings. Later, the Savoy was offered in brass or silver, and eventually so was the Continental. Then the Continental took on the 3300 series number again. Eventually, the silver version was dropped.

At one point, the Savoy was sold with the Happy Occasion pack, which included three globes in color 05. Each had text printed in black cursive that read Happy Holiday, Happy Birthday, and Happy Anniversary.

The only known second-style Continental belongs to Michelle R. Yoder, and is pictured here.

Decorator

The Decorator was introduced in 1966 alongside the similar Aristocrat. It stood 16 and a half inches tall and featured a 9 and three quarter inch bowl attached at the seam of the base. Unlike later planter models, it did not include a ring of plastic flowers. Instead, catalogs suggested that “the enterprising homemaker can change the plantings to suit any occasion.” Marketing targeted floral shops, though the lamp could not support live plants. A sticker on the base read “Use No Water.”

Like the Aristocrat, early versions had a gold cap, while later ones matched the base. There was no black version released. Trays on these lamps came in more than one shape.

Empress

This may look like a 12oz globe, but it’s actually larger. The cup had the same shape, just scaled up, and came with a real metal cap in a two-step design with a slight Deco influence. The Empress was a wall sconce like the Princess. It had a walnut wood back with a chrome plastic reflector inset in a grid pattern. The silver cup was mounted on two posts, and there was a rotary switch below. Total height was 22 inches.

The earliest version, shown in catalogs, used a two-step metal cap. The next version was also metal, but with a single tier and a raised button on top. The final version used a cap made of wood.

Enchantress

The first Enchantress series was visually based on Crestworth’s Astro Mini, using a slender, tapering globe. It came in two styles: the plain vase model (series 8100) and the planter model (series 8200), which included a ring of plastic flowers and greenery. These globes may have been sourced from Crestworth. Early versions had a shiny gold plastic cap with fine reeded molding. Later ones used a brass metal cap glued over the plastic. The liquid was hazy and had its own set of color combinations. This style is often referred to as the Elegant, named after a catalog ad with that heading. Toward the end of production, three flocked base and cap colors were released under the name Velva Tone: Mojave Gold, Malibu Orange, and Mexicali Avocado.

Around 1973, this version was replaced by the more familiar style with a wider base and a conical 32oz globe. The planter version was discontinued around 1980, but the vase model remained in production until 2003. Over the years, this model was sold in a wide range of finishes. The planter used several flower ring designs. If yours is missing, you can add your own or even use it to store keys or loose change. Vintage candle rings from the same era also fit well and keep the original look.

The early vase version was also used for Lava Corporation’s first glitter lamp, the Glitterlite, which had slow-moving aluminum flecks in oily liquid. These came in silver metal and were available in three colors.

The other Glitterlite was in the Windsor base.

Early Enchantress Planter with the slender globe & metal cap:

Later Enchantress with the conical 32 oz. globe. These are the most common flowers with this style:

The “Velva-Tone” finished variation.

Executive

This rare model used a 12oz globe mounted on a short stem similar to the Consort. The stem connected to the center rear of a long walnut base, with a brass disk at the connection point. On each side were Eversharp brand ballpoint pens in swivel holders. The pens and holders were black with a brass band and swivel. A pencil rest groove was cut into the front of the base. The lamp stood 13 and a half inches tall, and the base measured 13 by 5 and a half inches. Some versions had straight sides, while others were sloped.

A later model, also called the Executive, used a brass Consort on a square brass-finished metal base. See the Nordic entry for more.

Imperial

This model stands 46 and three quarter inches tall. The globe is a cylinder with a shallow, pointed metal cap that has a groove near the outer edge. The base is a cone with a wide cylindrical top to support the globe. It rests in a 15 inch round table made from particle board with a walnut veneer, supported by three round, tapered walnut legs that angle outward slightly. Each leg has a brass tip with a swivel glider. Early catalogs list the finish as white enameled metal, but all known examples have a satin brass finish. Some Imperials, but not all, have a small pinhole at the top of the cap, possibly for pressure release. A few have three vent holes just below the table ring to help manage heat in the base. The lamp used a 150 watt FL R 40 flood bulb. A similar design was released by Crestworth as the Princess or Rocket.

Fewer than a dozen Imperials are known to be in the hands of collectors. There could be more, either in private collections or with owners who are unaware of what they have. It is also possible some are still tucked away in basements or storage. Given their age, it is unlikely many more will surface, though they do appear from time to time on social media or eBay. One Glitterlite Imperial with gold liquid is known to exist and was likely a custom order.

Imperials contain a different formula and special care needs to be taken when refurbishing them. See the Imperial Restoration page on this site for more information before attempting any modifications.

Meditation Series aka Prayer Lites

Sometimes listed as the Meditation Series, other times as Prayer Lites in catalogs, these were standard Consorts with printed designs on the globe. The known versions feature a cross, either as a solid line or an outline. A menorah version was also advertised, though none are currently known to exist. Like the regular Consort, these were later changed from wood bases to plastic.

Music Box

Although photos exist showing these being assembled in the factory, no catalog listing has been found. The model name and number are still unknown. It’s essentially a Decorator with a reversed tray, though this exact tray shape was not used on any Decorator. Underneath the base are two mechanical Swiss music boxes with their winding keys on top. According to rumor, one played a song by Peter, Paul and Mary, possibly “Puff the Magic Dragon,” which was available on music boxes. At least two confirmed examples play “Hickory Dickory Dock.” Another plays “Mary Had A Little Lamb” and a European lullaby that has not been identified. All known examples have caps that match the base.

One has been seen with what looks like the earliest version of color 05, cream lava with lavender liquid.

(Child’s) Night Lite

The Night Lite, also called the Child’s Night Lite, is a rare Consort variant with a printed image of a juggling clown on the globe. Like other Consorts, it was later switched from a wood base to plastic. The known version of the clown differs slightly from the one shown in catalogs, but the color combinations are the same.

Nordic

Two different lamps were sold under the name Nordic, originally a Crestworth name. The first was a chrome Consort with a black woodgrain-molded plastic base instead of brown. The other had a boxy metal base with a silver finish, and that version appears to have come first. The brass version of the metal base model was sold as the Executive.

Princess

The Princess is basically a Consort-sized Empress. The only difference is that the cup is supported by a single post instead of two. It has no connection to the 32oz lamp with a white base that was released in 1990.

Psyche-De-Lite

This is a variant of the unknown model often called the “Expo.” It was offered only to members of the fan club for the Blues Magoos, the first band marketed as psychedelic. The lamp uses the same base design as the Expo, but instead of a black textured finish, it has a glossy red finish with a Blues Magoos sticker on the back. The sticker has a typo, missing the “y” in “Psych.”

A photo exists showing the band sitting around an Imperial, with three members holding these lamps. One is black like the Expo, and the others are painted with bright gold caps. The caption says the Blues Magoos always travel with two giant Psyche DeLites, assumed to be Imperials, but no other photos or videos show them doing so.

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Regency aka Royal

Just like the Consort and Princess share a size, the Empress and Regency do too. The Regency stands 19 inches tall. It used the same three cap designs as the Empress. Early versions had a Consort-style wood base. These never switched to plastic, but later versions used the step-up wood base shown. The Regency and Empress were part of the Royal 4000 series. After the Empress was discontinued, the Regency was renamed Royal.

Windsor

Another Consort variation, standing 15 inches tall. Instead of the usual square wood or plastic base, the Windsor uses a 6 inch round metal base with a woodgrain print. It was also sold as a Glitterlite.