This distinctive item is made of lucite (liquid plastic) and are designed with extraordinary care. In the Bauer Lamp Company lighting catalog, there are many options to choose from, but this one is stunning and in beautiful condition surviving three decades of human care, which at times an be lethal for vintage pieces. The original brass base and cover are in wonderful condition. The lucite pieces are still very clear and make for a striking design. What is Lucite? I thought it was plastic, but now I know, Lucite is the tradename of polymethyl methacrylate. Other well-known trade names are Crylux, Plexiglass, Acrylite, and Perspex. It is a transparent thermoplastic polymer. It is important as an alternative to glass in its sheet form. There you go - now you know what Lucite is.