Neo-Grec Gasolier with Pull-Down Pendant

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Neo-Grec Gasolier with Pull-Down Pendant

About the Item

Lighting by gaslight came into vogue in America in the 1840’s, and there were a few companies that produced fixtures to meet the growing demand. Foremost among these in New York was Mitchell Vance & Co., who, with their superior metallurgical skills, also produced clocks, bronzes and other ornamental metalwork. As leader in the field, they were innovative both technically and aesthetically, and eagerly incorporated new advancements into the artful products they created. The present gasolier is interesting on both levels. The distinctive extension mechanism that allows the pull-down pendant to be easily adjusted – is an innovation patented by G[eorge?] Monson in 1861 that Mitchell Vance offered and incorporated as an added amenity on fixtures intended to be used over writing desks or center tables. The center slide typically utilized an Argand burner with a conical shade for better reading light, while the branching arms of the fixture generally had “batswing” burners with spherical shades. Mitchell Vance incorporated kneeling figures of putti staring into and pondering the flames on the arms of this unusual gasolier. Designed in the Neo-Grec taste – perhaps owing to aesthetic preferences of the firm’s chief designer, Charles C. Perring – it also features anthemion crests, decorative ornaments and a pierced lotus form canopy. All of these details, including the optional Monson extension mechanism, can be seen in plate No. 17 of Mitchell, Vance & Co.’s 1876 catalog (illustration No. 184), which also indicates that the fixture was available with 3 and 4 lights and that the “height” was 46” closed or 82” extended, with a spread of 26”. This rare gasolier is marked in various locations with patent dates, including one on the Monson extension device. Mitchell, Vance & Co. triumphed other gaslight manufacturers at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, where, among other accolades, they were commended for their “’double-slide’ extension light.”

Creator:
Mitchell Vance Co. (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 56 in (142.24 cm)Width: 32 in (81.28 cm)Depth: 14 in (35.56 cm)
Style:
Greek Revival (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Glass
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1876
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Lacquer finish restored. Replacement shades.
Seller Location:
Southport, CT
Reference Number:
Seller: 609-II-LF1stDibs: LU95051052226