Antique Victorian Combination Gas / Electric Ceiling Fixture

Description

Details

• Original pressed glass shades
• Circa 1890

Victorian lighting was defined by the two leading trends of the day – technology and a taste for ornamentation. As the primary light sources were dim gas burners and carbon-filament bulbs, fixtures were often multi-arm affairs with numerous sockets or jets to maximize light output. Until about 1910, electricity was expensive and poorly distributed, so “combination” fixtures that used both gas and electricity were common. Most fixtures were turned on or off directly at the fixture and hung quite low relative to today’s standards.

Most utilized finely detailed decorative-glass shades that enhanced the light without obscuring it. Fixtures were constructed of polished brass or bronze, often finished in gilt, silver-plate or rich antiqued treatments.

Circa 1880-1910