Jandorf SPECIALTY HARDWARE 60106 2" Brass Bullet Finial

A small detail like a finial can make a lamp feel finished. Swapping out a flimsy topper for the brass bullet finial gave a tired table lamp a bit of presence and polish without shouting for attention. After a few weeks of daily use—switching shades, adjusting harps, and generally living with it in a high-traffic living room—I have a clear sense of where this little part shines and where it might not fit every setup.

What it is and who it’s for

This is a 2-inch, brass-finished finial designed to screw onto a standard lamp harp and hold a lampshade securely in place. If your lamp uses the typical U-shaped harp with a threaded post on top, this will likely be familiar territory. The bullet profile leans sleek and simple, which works well across traditional, transitional, and even modern spaces that use brass as an accent. It’s sold as a single unit, so if you’re dressing a pair of lamps, you’ll need two.

I’d consider it a good fit for anyone who wants:
- A taller-than-average finial (2 inches) that makes a subtle design statement
- A warm brass accent that reads classic without veering ornate
- A bit more heft and stability than the hollow or zinc finials that come stock on many lamps

Design and build quality

The bullet shape is clean, symmetrical, and nicely proportioned. There’s no engraved patterning or decorative filigree—just a tapered top and smooth flanks that look purposeful rather than fussy. In hand, it feels more substantial than the stamped or cast-pot-metal finials you see in big-box stores. The weight isn’t excessive, but there’s enough mass to lend a sense of quality.

The finish is a warm brass—bright but not mirrored. It pairs neatly with aged brass hardware, brushed brass pulls, and most antique brass finishes; it can skew a touch brighter than those, but not enough to clash in typical room lighting. After a few weeks, mine has stayed consistent with no obvious tarnish or spotting. Fingerprints wipe off with a microfiber cloth. I can’t confirm whether there’s a lacquer, but the finish seems resilient enough to handle casual handling during shade swaps.

The threading is clean and starts easily without the “grit” or burrs that sometimes cause cross-threading. Once seated, it tightens down with no wobble and keeps the shade centered. The tip of the bullet isn’t needle-sharp—good for fingers and fabric—yet the taper is crisp enough to maintain the silhouette.

Installation and compatibility

Installation is as simple as it gets:
1. Remove the old finial.
2. Set the shade on the harp’s saddle.
3. Thread the brass bullet finial on by hand until snug.

A note on thread size: most US lamps use 1/4-27 threads for finials, and this finial fit every US-standard harp I tried. If you’re outfitting European lamps (often M10x1 threads) or oddball vintage fixtures, double-check compatibility before you buy.

At 2 inches tall, this finial sits noticeably above the shade line. On a tall drum shade or a traditional bell shade, that height reads intentional and elegant. On a very low-profile shade or petite lamp, it can look a bit top-heavy. If you prefer a barely-there look, you may want a 1–1.5 inch finial instead.

Day-to-day use and stability

Functionally, it does exactly what it should: it holds the shade securely with minimal effort. I gave the lamp a few accidental bumps walking past and found the added weight useful. It dampens minor wiggles and reduces the tendency for a lightweight shade to skew off center.

The texture is smooth, which means your grip depends on shape rather than knurling. I didn’t find it hard to tighten, but if you have dexterity issues or tend to adjust shades often, a knurled finial offers more grip. That said, the bullet’s tapered sides still give enough purchase to hand-tighten effectively without over-torquing.

I also tested it with different harp heights and two shade styles (a linen drum and a pleated empire). The finial felt equally secure across setups and didn’t loosen from heat cycling after long evenings with incandescent bulbs. If you’ve ever had finials “walk” loose as lamps warm up, this one stays put better than average, likely due to the clean threads and extra mass.

Aesthetics in context

The brass is versatile. It warmed up a black metal lamp without fighting the finish and looked right at home on a mid-century walnut base with aged-brass accents. With polished chrome or nickel lamps, it becomes a deliberate mix-and-match statement; sometimes that contrast works, sometimes it doesn’t, depending on the rest of the room.

The bullet profile is modern but not aggressively so. Compared to a crystal or decorative leaf finial, it’s restrained; compared to a tiny spherical cap, it’s more assertive. On taller shades, the 2-inch height becomes a design element rather than a purely functional part. If you like the idea of the finial participating in the overall silhouette of the lamp, this hits a sweet spot.

Durability and maintenance

After repeated on/off cycles, the finish resisted micro-scratches. I wouldn’t use abrasive polishes or metal wools; a dry microfiber cloth or a slightly damp soft cloth is plenty. If the finial is unlacquered (hard to confirm), it may develop a patina over time—something I’m personally happy to embrace. If you prefer it bright, an occasional gentle brass cleaner and rinse will restore shine, but test on a small area first.

Threads remained true and didn’t gall, even after swapping it among three lamps. There’s no set screw or hidden hardware to deal with, which keeps wear points to a minimum.

Small gripes

• Height isn’t universally flattering. On short lamps or small shades, 2 inches can look oversized.
• Smooth sides can be a touch slippery if your fingers are oily or you’re tightening at an awkward angle.
• It’s sold singly. That’s normal for finials, but easy to overlook if you’re outfitting a pair of lamps and expect a set.

None of these are deal breakers, but they’re worth considering to avoid a mismatch with your lamp and shade.

Alternatives to consider

• Lower-profile brass finials (1–1.5 inches) for a subtler look on compact lamps.
• Knurled or ridged designs if grip is a priority.
• Antique brass or aged finishes if you need a darker, pre-patinated tone.
• Nickel or blackened metal finials if your fixtures use cool-tone metals.

If your lamp is European or vintage with non-standard threads, look for adapters or finials with M10x1 compatibility.

Value

Pricing varies, but as a single, solid-feeling brass piece, it’s reasonable for the finish and build. It’s a worthwhile upgrade over generic zinc caps and the sort of detail that makes a lamp look intentionally put together. If you need multiples across a room, the cost adds up, but it still feels like money spent on a visible, tactile improvement.

The bottom line

The brass bullet finial is a simple, well-executed piece of hardware that does its job with a bit of style. It installs in seconds, feels secure, and brings a warm brass note that suits a range of lamps. The 2-inch height is both its charm and its limitation: it looks great on medium to large lamps with taller shades, but can read oversized on compact fixtures. Thread quality is good, the finish has held up nicely in daily use, and the overall impression is of a small part that’s been made with care.

Recommendation: I recommend the brass bullet finial for anyone running a standard US harp who wants a clean, slightly taller brass accent that actually helps keep a shade steady. It’s dependable, easy to live with, and aesthetically versatile. Just make sure the 2-inch height fits your lamp’s proportions and that your threads are standard. If those boxes are checked, this is a satisfying, no-fuss upgrade.