AN-M43 Floor Lamp
Our most recent lamp was commenced soon after a good friend of ours had purchased a WW2 B-25 for his aircraft collection. While creating an ordinance themed lamp like this had been on the table for awhile, the idea to combine an aircraft based riveted skin and semi-polished art deco theme to the project was what set it in motion when we first saw that plane taxi up to the hangar door. Like all the non-commissioned pieces we create, we were not about to use any existing replica components from other manufacturers. At near 7.5 feet tall and weighing in near 90lbs, this lamp is a center piece no matter where it stands.
The main body consists of an all metal constructed interpretation of a AN-M43 500LB GP bomb, typically used up towards the midst of WW2. Hand formed sheet aluminum and steel, welded and riveted together and finished with a mid luster powder coat finish, it is suspended as in mid flight on a steel tube structure. Accents and trim pieces, such as the nose tip, are turned from solid billet aluminum and retain their fine machined finish. The base consists of gearbox and turbine support components sourced from various Pratt and Whitney gas turbine engines, housing a separate illumination feature that operates independently from the main lamp and can be used as a night light or walkway lamp. Dry sand ballast in the base keeps the lamp stable.
The upper lamp shade is another bespoke part, formed from laser cut and machined steel rings that were rolled into shape and TIG welded to form a chevron shade that is topped with a gas stator assembly from another P&W gas turbine. The stator projects a defined pattern of light upwards while the inner opaque shield filters the light into a soft glow. Light is provided by a Feit E26 LED WiFi bulb that can be controlled by the lamps’ switch, by the Feit app from your phone, or by a home based WiFi control system( I.E. Alexa). Finish coatings include ceramic and automotive paint as well as powder coat.
This lamp is currently for sale in or store and on display at The Hangar at 743, located near Albany International Airport. Inquiries can be sent directly through any means on our contacts page. A portion of the proceeds will go to The Hangar to help support local charities and the Prescott Foundation, visit www.hangar743.com for more information.
(While it should go without saying it, we must mention that not one single component of this lamp is constructed from actual military ordinance)
