Marblehead library is auctioning off vintage pendant lamp on Municibid

MARBLEHEAD — The Abbot Public Library has a Poul Henningsen artichoke-pendant lamp in its possession that could be worth thousands of dollars — money that could help support various town programs.

That's why the library has decided to auction off the lamp through Municibid, an online auction service for government agencies, schools, authorities and utilities to sell their surplus items and forfeitures directly to the public. Municibid is hosting a public online auction for Marblehead's lamp through Aug. 14.

Bids can be made 24 hours a day.

"This online auction is open to the public at Municibid.com," states a release from the auction company regarding the Marblehead lamp auction. "Massachusetts residents are able to bid in this government auction online, 24/7, on Municibid. This auction will help a Bay-Stater get a fantastic deal on a gorgeous light fixture that is revered in the interior-design world."

Place your bid:Auction listing for Marblehead's Poul Henningsen artichoke pendant lamp

Founded in 2006, Pottstown, Pennsylvania-based Municibid says it has helped various government entities with auctioning off such items as fire trucks, buses, ambulances, heavy machinery, agricultural equipment and other goods.

But these online municipal auctions don't only feature standard government equipment. Sometimes some highly unusual items make their way onto the bidding floor.

In March, Wicked Local reported that the City of Waltham was using Municibid to auction off an 18-foot, double-lane, inflatable slide.

"We are selling this one so that we can purchase another one," said Kim Hebert, Waltham's director of recreation, at the time.

The effort drew eight bids, with the winning one totaling $1,800.

Other recent items either auctioned off, attempted to be auctioned off or are still in the process of being auctioned in Massachusetts include the following:

Meanwhile, Abbot Public Library Director Kimberly Grad said the Marblehead library is undergoing a renovation, which includes the installation of new lighting.

The lamp being auctioned had been displayed at the library since 1989, she noted.

"When we looked at (the lamp) during the renovation, we realized it was an original piece," Grad said.

The item is an original "a vintage Poul Henningsen artichoke pendant lamp," a Municibid release explains, adding that it was designed in 1958 by Danish designer Poul Henningsen and manufactured by Louis Poulsen, originally for the Langelinie restaurant in Copenhagen.

"The original design was intended to conceal the light bulb and produce a soft, glare-free light that diffuses evenly into the space it inhabits," the release notes. "Due to its unique shape, it is frequently used in smaller spaces that may be overwhelmed by traditional chandeliers."

The object's measurements are: diameter, 36 inches; height, 18.5 inches; weight, 33 pounds.

Grad said whoever puts in the winning bid for the lamp "will be very happy."

"It's a real find," she said. "I think this could be an ideal piece for a home. It would be quite stunning in the right space.

She added that so far, there is one $3,000 bid in for the lamp on Municibid. Grad said the town has used Municibid in the past.