https://imgur.com/a/7kdk2kW

Here is a lampshade that I've kept with me since I was a young teenager. I acquired this lampshade, from a little old woman who had a small house on the bay. The story...I met the old lady (90's) through my mother who was a at home nurse at the time. She would often grow attached to the patients and I'm sure can understand why. I soon became the yard boy and chief grass cutter for this lady. I would always refuse money for my work (yes I played the silly game) and should always insist that I take something, which was usually some cash or on occasion something that she acquired over the years. She would often remark that I was like a grandson to her as she never married.

She was never married because in her younger years it turns out that she was a nun ( in Europe), who then became a nurse in the US Army during WW2. The stories she told were something, and for someone who had been a nun, surprising. She was an incredible woman who lived an incredible life to say the least.

One day after cutting her yard she comes out to me with something, with a very serious look to her face. She hands me this lampshade, and tell me to take great care of it as it may one day make me some money. She tells me, it was made by one of the first students who were studying under Tiffany. At the time the only thing in my mind was "son of a bitch... well maybe next time", I knew the deal, and most times she would over pay. And I didn't know, nor did I care who the hell Tiffany was... I needed money for the arcade.

I told my parents the story, and while they have never said they didn't believe her, and always made sure I wasn't careless wit the shade.

Here I am now 50 years old... parents are gone and the old lady of course is gone. I need to clean house... what's this worth? It seems to be all leaded with the right glass. There are zero markings on the shade. no stamps...nothing.

I'm sure vie carried around this ugly thing for no reason... The woman told fantastic stories about her life which she had receipts for many of these things... IDK.