ANT-590  Circa 1850 Rod Hung Gasolier Attributed to Cornelius, Baker Company

Chandeliers with figures were popular during the 1850s.  Called Allegorical Chandeliers, they were very much en vogue during this time.

Chandeliers that are this early usually have had changes made to them for many reasons...i.e. conversion from gas to electricity, style changes, shades break, homes are re-located...

What used to be 2 ⁵⁄₈" fitters for the shades has been changed over to the ubiquitous 1890
4" fitter shade type.  And the gas keys have been modified to prevent them from cutting the electrical wire that now passes through the original gas pipe.  Peter Myers' book "Gaslighting in America" also shows a rod hung chandelier with changes similar to this chandelier...page 85...illustration from the Smithsonian Institution.  Other than the two main changes, we have a rather attractive four arm rod hung antique gasolier by one of the most famous makers of gasoliers for the early American gas age:  Cornelius.

The main giveaway is the gas key.  Gas keys of this age were like signatures, and chandeliers that were never signed can often be identified by their gas key designs.  The gas key on this gasolier is the same as the pictures from the Smithsonian.

Now, after re-wiring in our UL shop, this gasolier (chandelier) is ready to be reinstalled into someone's nice Victorian home.

Measurements:

• Diameter:  29"
• Height:  49"; definitely made to hang in the taller ceilings from the Victorian era.

$4,500.00 for this authentic, re-wired, UL approved Cornelius, Baker Company gasolier now converted to electricity...plus shipping.