Craftsmanship and Design of Antique Chandeliers

European Victorian Lighting in Bronze, Pewter and Iron

Aug 18, 2009

With the birth of electricity, authentic antique chandeliers became elaborate pieces of utilitarian art. Today these chandeliers are prized for their beauty and detail.

In the 1890s, the Victorians had the incandescent mantle. It consisted of a gauze hood which was impregnated with cerium and thorium oxide. It was then fitted over gas burners. The mantle was popular as a chandelier over dining tables and above the fireplace. And for a time, the progression to electric chandeliers was held back.

The Birth of the Electric Chandelier

By 1910, tungsten filaments became available and electric chandeliers replaced the mantle. With the introduction of electric lighting, the shape of the chandelier changed little. It was still a branched hanging lamp made of some form of metal. The style of the chandelier did change, however, as trends and tastes evolved. Antique chandeliers were very detailed and elaborately designed.

Antique Bronze Chandeliers

For centuries, bronze has been used for both utilitarian and decorative purposes. 19th century chandeliers were made of bronze gilded in mercury, a skill known as ormolu. Antique bronze chandeliers were heavy. The gilding was rich and did not detract from the fine detail.

Prices for antique bronze chandeliers vary, but expect to pay in the thousands for a good one. Country and urban auctions are good places to seek them out at a lower price. Ebay always has listings of antique bronze chandeliers, but prices are similar to those found in fine antique shops. Consider the shipping cost of large heavy items as well. Buying online could add significantly to the total cost.

Antique Pewter Chandeliers

Chandeliers have been used since medieval times particularly made of crossed wood pieces with four candles attached to nails at each of the ends. These were most often found in churches. Chandeliers made of pewter did not arrive until the 17th century.

The early pewter in chandeliers were made of an alloy of lead, tin and antimony used by both French and English pewter makers. The pewter was hammered or cast into molds to shape the fittings and the work gave the pieces a deep burnished gray color.

Authentic antique pewter chandeliers are very rare in the marketplace. What is available and being called antique pewter chandeliers are new chandeliers with an antique pewter look.

Antique Italian Chandeliers

Cherubs and mythical figures were nearly always incorporated into the design of antique Italian chandeliers. A circa 1900 Italian chandelier of cast iron could be valued as high as $25 K or more in its original condition. Italian Chandeliers had a strong baroque style to them, especially the very large chandeliers, measuring over 50" in height and width.

Antique French Chandeliers

Antique French chandeliers have a long tradition in period styles. The Victorians played up on the Louis XV, Louis XVI and renaissance designs in bronze and iron. Later periods include art deco and art nouveau chandeliers in bronze and cast iron.

A high Victorian French Bronze chandelier with elaborate fabric shades and tassels could easily fetch over $10 K in its original condition.

Antique chandeliers before and after the advent of electricity have always been a focal point of the home. They seldom sit in antique shops for long. While they represent a huge investment, their value increases over time.

References

The copyright of the article Craftsmanship and Design of Antique Chandeliers in Antiques & Collectibles is owned by Lorraine Syratt. Permission to republish Craftsmanship and Design of Antique Chandeliers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.