ANT-1301 Circa 1840 Cornelius (Attributed) 6-Light Gas Chandelier--Now Converted to Electricity
This fine original brass six-light chandelier is attributed to Cornelius by age and other design and historical elements. Chain elements were popular in the 1840’s and mostly faded out fashion by the 1850’s when allegorical chandeliers (figural elements) became more in style. During this time, there were only 3 makers of gasoliers in America of note: Cornelius, Hooper, and Archer Warner. As early as this chandelier is...Hooper who made plainer chandeliers can be ruled out. Archer Warner was consumed by their Grape and Leaf designs. Cornelius is the obvious attribution especially for the canopy and rare American Shield gas key.
This fine chandelier has been wired for electricity and is now ready to grace a home that demands an original antique fixture.
Here is some history about Cornelius and Cornelius & Baker:
Description Cornelius & Baker, Manufacturers of Lamps, Chandeliers, Gas Fixtures, et cetera. Located at Columbia Avenue & Fifth Street, Philadelphia.
Christian Cornelius, a Dutch immigrant silversmith, founded his lighting business in 1827, which became Cornelius, Baker, and Company in 1835. By the 1850’s, it operated the factory illustrated. They also had another location on Cherry Street, and a store at 176 Chestnut Street.
The firm initially made brass lighting fixtures but later also made zinc fixtures and sculptures, some of which were installed in the United States Capitol. The business was succeeded by Cornelius and Sons and Baker, Arnold and Company in 1869.
Description of the Cornelius factory print by William Rease: William H. Rease, born in Pennsylvania circa 1818, was the most prolific lithographer of advertising prints in Philadelphia during the 1840’s and 1850’s. This image shows the large Cornelius and Baker industrial building occupying most of the 500 block of Columbia Avenue. Near one of the entries, a man holds a horse hitched to a sulky as an omnibus is about to round the corner. In the foreground, passengers board the Germantown Road North Fifth Street omnibus, as a man on horseback approaches.
Larger Measurements: The chandelier is 44” diameter. It hangs 55” tall.
Finish: Original...we cleaned it up with soap and water and that is about it. After 180 years, there are some finishing imbalances of color. There are also arm misalignments. But…this is a real antique that has lived a lot longer than us. If you want original...some allowances might be made. If you want more perfect...more balanced...even appearance...perhaps one of our re-creations is for you.
Making a decision about an 1840 chandelier for a home of a later date, is really not that hard for originality. What is not usually understood is that in early Victorian times, light fixtures were so expensive that they were considered “furniture” and were not normally left with the house. You packed them up...and took them with you. This is often the case when reading a Victorian Will as well. Some members might get the living room suite while others got the lighting. Therefore...inheriting an 1840, for your 1880 house, was not out of place, and, if as nice as this one...definitely an up-grade from 1880 look fixtures.
Prices for original antique rococo chandeliers are all over the map. Usually, dealers won’t divulge their prices until you pick up the phone and commit to listening to a sales pitch. What we know...is that we will not have that elitist attitude. Our price can be half of those other prices but we feel a fair return is fair for all. You will simply not find authentic 1840 gasoliers easily. They are now pretty rare.
We have seen prices upwards of $35K from some dealers. Not for faint heart.
Our Price: $14,750.00 plus crating and shipping fees. Price DOES include the SIX nicely hand cut shades as shown on the original sized 2 5/8” fitter.
