Circa 1894 Antique Early Electric Beardslee Flush Mount Fixture Restored

  

I'm very excited to offer this incredible and incredibly rare, restored flush mount fixture by Beardslee of Chicago! This fixture, circa 1894, as inferred by the patent stamp on the larger companion fixture I have listed for sale which came from the same home, is in fantastic vintage condition with an attractive, multicolored patina that brass can only acquire through decades of oxidation. I have not polished the metal in an effort to preserve the gentle mottled effect, but I did give it a thorough cleaning.

There are some surface blemishes and irregularities, but this can be expected from any fixture from this era. The larger companion fixture to this smaller hall light is stamped with a specific date and is composed of a pressed brass mount, whereas this piece is stamped "PAT PENDING" on the interior of its mount, which is made of cast, rather than stamped, brass. Having been sourced from the same home though, as mentioned, it can be readily assumed that they both originate to the 1894 patent.

Electricity in the early 1890's was wildly expensive, not widely available, somewhat unreliable, and often reserved only for the wealthiest neighborhoods and households. For context, the White House was wired for electricity in 1892, only a couple of years before this fixture was patented and put into production. As such, this light is representative of the first generation of ALL electric lighting, making it very rare and just plain, well.

As far as flush mount light fixtures go, this one is scaled for a vestibule or hallway, measuring at 6 -inches in diameter, at both the shade and the mount collar. The mount is made of cast brass featuring a band of marquise and classic diamonds, with subtle fleur de lis and other early beaux arts, colonial revival flavored motifs, which were beginning to take hold as a decorative arts trend at the time. The attractive frosted shade is in very good condition, with only the average expected fitter-end roughness. It has a sandblasted interior finish and is likely hand blown, as evidenced by the inclusions and other charming little imperfections in the glass found only in hand blown pieces. The fixture hangs down about 9-inches overall.

It's low drop would make it ideal for a space with low ceilings but where statement lighting is still desired. The socket is vintage, and in fine shape.

The whole has been newly wired and comes with all the necessary mounting hardware, ready to hang. The light accepts one standard base bulb (not included). I would recommend a warm white LED. Like this light A LOT?

Don't miss the larger, matching companion fixture to this one that I have listed! This item is in the category "Antiques\Architectural & Garden\Chandeliers, Sconces & Lighting Fixtures". The seller is "hodycanna" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Type: Flush Mount
• Size: Small
• Decade: 1890s
• Style: Antique
• Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
• Features: Restored
• Material: Brass, Glass
• Maker: Beardslee