'tique of the week
'Czech' out crystal lamps at Downtown Antiques
BY TONY SENK
Correspondent

Irene Kealy stands with two unique Czechoslovakian crystal lamps from the 1930s that are two of the many wonders to be found at Downtown Antiques and Collectibles in Red Bank.

As one of only two original antique vendors at Downtown Antiques and Collectibles in Red Bank, Irene Kealy has seen an antique or two in her time.

Over her 14 years at Downtown Antiques, 27 Monmouth St., she has, on countless occasions, roamed up and down the aisles of the 3,200-square-foot, 30-vendor antique shop with curiosity and interest, keeping a discerning eye out for newly arrived items that she has not yet seen.

But in all of her excursions through the shop, she said she often winds up right back to her own area where twin green Czechoslovakian crystal lamps have lately drawn much attention from antique-savvy customers with eyes as discerning as her own.

The lamps, which stand 3 feet high, command attention in large part because of their attention to detail.

One can only imagine the hours of workmanship behind the creation of the two lamps by gifted craftsmen, who in the 1930s painstakingly attached 10 crystals to each lamp. Or the creative thought behind the bronze, eight-sided base complete with its four brass gargoyles.

The lamps are made of what is called "cut-to-clear" glass, popular in the 1930s. The unique green color of the lamps comes from the process of dipping the glass in green coloring after the glass was first formed, and then, while still hot, cutting the glass into specific patterns.

"I bought the lamps two years ago at an estate sale in Rumson," said Kealy, of Holmdel. "They sure get a lot of comments from customers. I'm asking $650 for the pair. They are delightful, and I especially love the sound of the chime of the crystals when you touch them."

For centuries, what is now the Czech Republic has been known as one of the prominent glass and crystal manufacturing countries of the world. The secrets of the Czech glass and Czech crystal production are passed on from one generation to the next.

Irene said that she became interested in antiques quite by accident, but it's likely the same way many folks become involved with antiques and antiquing.

"I've always loved to collect unique and eye-catching things," she said. "Over the years, I had collected so many of them that it got a bit overwhelming. So, I started selling them, and 14 years ago, I started selling them here at Downtown Antiques. I've been here ever since. I love it here. It's the people who come in here to shop and to look around and the other vendors that are here that make this a fun place. We all enjoy ourselves, and we all love what we do. That's why I've stayed here for so long. Now, I can't imagine being anywhere else. So here I am - Czechoslovakian lamps and all!"

Downtown Antiques and Collectibles is open seven days a week. From Monday to Saturday, hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. It is located across from the Dublin House, and the phone number is (732) 224-0033.