In late September, 1975 Anthony and his wife were in Las Vegas, staying at the Hacienda Hotel - Motel, first Casino on Tropicana coming into Vegas, staying at the Hacienda Hotel - Motel, first casino on Tropicana coming in to Vegas, Anthony always stayed there. Anthony's wife drove down the strip & stopped at a stained glass supply house. She had bought a large piece of Uroboros fine pink glass. Shehow, A. Hart was mentioned. The owner said I wish I could meet this man, I'd like to pick his brain, he is so vain cutting his name in tiny pieces and placing the name in between foliage or flowers, plus and African butterfly called Nymphalidae, in every lamp he made or still makes. The owner of the shop was very proud and very happy and rich.
He had told Anthony's wife that Liberace commissioned him to stained glass his home, at the tune of $250,000, that Liberace loved stained glass. The owner said why Liberace lives right opposite the Hacienda, No. 22 Shirley Street., Las Vegas. They had taken two old houses next to one another and more or less built between the two houses, making it one very big house. Surrounding the house was a tall black iron picket fence, with an intercom at the main gate. Anthony and his wife Christine left New York with four lamps with plans to go in to L.A. Fine Art and Antiques Show. As going cross country, Anthony sold three of his lamps. The one remaining was a 20" diameter Cherry Blossom table lamp. Anthony's wife said why not go to Liberace's house, I'm sure he would love it. Of course Anthony said No, but the next day I was at Liberace's house ringing the Intercom. A voice spoke very soft and low, asking can I help you and state your name. Soon Anthony replied, explaining what he had. Seem to look like a young boy walked down to the gate, Anthony went right to his car and showed the lamp. The young man had told me that the Master was resting for he was to open at the M.G.M. and also his first showing of his car museum on Tropicana, $3.50 admission, the following day. The young man's name was Nikki from Italy. Once upon a time sidekick to Liberace. Nikki was pretty sure that the master would negotiate.
The next morning at 10:00am, Anthony was in the home of Liberace. Entering the foyer was a 16th century small Bombay commode, carrara marble floors, spiral stairs going upstairs, just out of sight. The lamp was set on the commode and then lit. Anthony told Liberace he admired his fine work on stage. Liberace asked how much he was asking, Anthony replied $5000, Liberace said seeing how much he admired him, would he not consider giving the lamp to him as a gift? Anthony did not know if he was serious. Anyway, Liberace dickered Anthony down to $3800 - with all his millions, confusing, but Anthony accepted the money. Then there was Mario Andretti; Red Fox, who had an antique gallery on Tropicana, Sergio Franki (singer), Tiffany house on Rodeo on the cormer of Main St, Beverly Hills, selling Tiffany. A 20" diameter oriental poppy (deep dome shape) accordingly sold to Barbra Streisand.
In the next book that will be published, far more exciting happenings and a lot more photos of the original A. Hart Lamps. We are awaiting the public to send photos of lamps and paintings by A. Hart.