History of Barrister's Lamps?

Question

Does anyone know the history behind the green-shaded lamps that attorneys in the USA all have on our desks? What is the history behind the trend?

I'm looking for the history behind the practice. I know the qualities of such lamps, but there is some social reason that attorney's are just plain expected to have at LEAST one of them.

Answer 1

They're actually called "Banker's lamps" I believe.

And I think the colored shading is to protect the eyes from harsh bulb light. Bankers and attorneys spend long hours looking at paperwork on their desks, eyestrain is a problem.

Answer 2

Bankers Lamp History

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
History of Barrister's Lamps?
Does anyone know the history behind the green-shaded lamps that attorneys in the USA all have on our desks? What is the history behind the trend?

Answer 4

Those are usually called bankers lamps. Bankers in the old days used to have those in their offices as it was good at illuminating an entire desk while you were doing your accounting, but without it shining in your eyes. Later that style of lamp migrated to other similar professions. I have one on my nightstand, and am quite fond of it.

Answer 5

its code, green is the complement of red, and red lamps signify the whoring-out of sharks to those with money, regardless of guilt. They can't be so obvious as to use red lamps, so they use the complementary color, green.