An American Gas Chandelier
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Circa 1855
Attributed to Cornelius, Baker and Company
This gasolier was removed from the same home which housed a companion gasolier shown on this site depicting George Washington. Rod-suspended gas chandeliers were popular in America during the 1850’s. By utilizing one of the suspension rods to conceal the gas pipe, the center of the chandelier could be used to display a figure. On this beautiful three-light example, a bust of Scottish novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott, depicted in a pose derived from antiquity, rests on a narrow round pedestal. This chandelier retains its original dark bronzed patinated finish with gilt-lacquered highlights. An additional gas outlet on the side of the pan would have provided gas for a portable gas lamp. An almost identical pair of gasoliers with putti appoint the office of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
Brass, spelter, and glass
Height: 44” Width: 24”
D1141
Back to All Products