Up for consideration is a monumental and important Antique Bronze and Mixed
metal documented original E.F. Caldwell 19 light Antique Chandelier. The fixture
sports 18 lights around the outside in a starburst type pattern with a single
light in the center. It measures about 40 inches with Canopy and minimal chain
by about 34 inches in diameter if bulbs are inserted. A similar cast fixture can
be found in the Smithsonian E.F. Caldwell & Co. Archives in Large binder 69 as
photo 043705...an attached black and white photo shows the exact motifs and cast
concave bronze bowl insert. The upper portion of the fixture can by found in
Large Binder 33 and 63. There is 6 circular cartouches sporting an Owl on book,
Griffin, Hammer & Shovel, Beehive, Eagle clutching arrows and wings set on a
wheel or ring. The cartouches have celeste blue enamel painted background. These
symbols can be associated with several archaic lines of Heraldry possibly Mason
or Freemasons...the symbols may be chosen by the designers as purely cosmetic or
decorative purposes or there may be a deeper meaning related to a particular
Institution perhaps a library or Educational Institution...there are archives
of sketches that have not been released to the public notes and invoices are
still in the hands of the Smithsonian so I would imagine if one was inclined to
more information could come to light that has yet to be revealled. I get it and
I understand most don't realize that E.F. Caldwell was the leading company in
the United states for 4 or 5 decades...even Tiffany sent some of their orders to
be filled for custom lighting. It is and was the best of the best for American
Lighting. Even outfitting the White House when electricity was being
introduced... According to the Smithsonian this Fixture was probably done
somewhere between 1908 and 1910. As you probably know Caldwell along with the
aid of designers and client designed with the aid of photos of other commissions
original light fixtures to the taste of the client. That means photos were shown
of previous commmissions and the client could more less assist the designer with
parts of other fixture and put together original literal works of lighting Art
that was unique to their upscale tastes. So presently one can scroll through the
archives and with luck one can locate the exact fixture or perhaps the overall
structure of similar fixture incorporating similar motifs. This particular
fixture has a concave dome interior which would be somewhat similar to a
European type domed interior ceiling or period work of art. It really is quite
an exciting piece of which the photos do not do it justice.
At present the fixture does function however the wiring may need
updating...likewise one of the decorative cap is missing on the exterior of
which I am getting this piece cast...or the one from the center light can be
used and replaced with a similar piece and let the outside 18 match...a bronze
canopy (not shown) came with the fixture which matches nicely.
This piece will be hand delivered to your location. Free short distance delivery
longer distances paid by buyer. If you have any questions or something to share
please message me.
Best Regards,
Johnny
JohnnyCrystal Est. 1987