The Bohemian tradition of opulent handcrafted crystal lighting begins with the Palme name. Founded in 1724 in Parchen, Bohemia (Austria-Hungary), Christoph Palme & Co. was initially named for lighting designer Josef Palme, who created crystal chandeliers by hand for the likes of King Louis XV and Austrian royalty. (A venturesome style of chandelier with no central supporting post was created during the era for Austrian Empress Maria Theresa before she was crowned Queen of Bohemia in 1743 — now known as the Maria Theresa chandelier — and Josef Palme created fixtures in this style.)
When Josef died in the mid-18th century, his younger brother Christoph took the helm of the family-owned company, and the brand has retained the name since then.
Over time, Christoph Palme chandeliers and other lighting fixtures could be found in the living quarters of Russian Tsarina Elizabeth, Turkish Sultan Oman III and the decadent palaces of the kings of Saudi Arabia. In the postwar years, Palme lighting facilities trading under a range of names opened in West Germany, including Reinhold Palme & Sohne, Palme & Walter, Gerhard Palme and Christoph Palme Leuchten.
A handful of electric chandeliers manufactured by Christoph Palme & Co. were installed in the East Room of the White House during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency, owing to Edward F. Caldwell & Co. having commissioned the historic manufacturer to create the fixtures. That Manhattan’s Edward F. Caldwell & Co. partnered with Christoph Palme lighting shouldn’t surprise collectors; the New York City firm was a leading electric lighting company whose own quality, elegant fixtures borrowed heavily from Baroque, Rococo and other historical styles.
Chandeliers have evolved over time, but their classic elegance has remained unchanged. Not only will the right chandelier prove impressive in a given room, but it can also offer a certain sense of practicality.
In the modern era, the work of Christoph Palme & Co. has reflected changing tastes and an effort to preserve and uphold the sterling reputation of the centuries-old manufacturer. Brass and gold-plated mid-century modern designs were occasionally outfitted with an exquisite array of Swarovski crystals that dazzled in daylight, while partnerships with Venini and Palwa during the 1960s and 1970s yielded magnificent Hollywood Regency-style sconces and flush mount ceiling lights. These drew on natural forms and often featured an integration of clear Murano glass “drops” mounted on gilt-brass frames.
On 1stDibs, find antique and vintage Christoph Palme lighting.
Palwa 26" Starburst Sputnik Chandelier Gold-Plated Brass, 1960s
By Gaetano Sciolari, Christoph Palme, Palwa, Gebrüder Cosack
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant starburst 29-lights chandelier with gold-plated stars. Designed by Christoph Palme. The lamp has an incomparable unique character, a touch of luxury fills the room. Manufactu...
Gold Plate, Brass
1 of 6 Petite Murano Glass Tear Drop Flush mount by C.Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning petite flush mount light by Christoph Palme, Germany, was manufactured in the 1970s. It’s composed of Murano teardrop glass pieces ...
Crystal, Brass
Large Pair of Golden Gilded Brass and Crystal Sconces by C.Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning pair of golden sconces, made by Christoph Palme, Germany, circa 1970-1979. It’s composed of Murano teardrop Crystal glass pieces on a gilded brass frame. Best of the 1970...
Brass
One of the Nine Palme Chandeliers or Flush Mounts Brass and Crystal, 1960s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Rijssen, NL
Wonderful light effect due to lovely glass elements. In very good vintage condition and ready to use. Each light requires 4 X E 27 up to 40 Watts each. All electrical items function...
Crystal, Brass
Chandelier by Palme & Walter with Murano glass drops by Venini
By Christoph Palme, Palme & Walter
Located in Hannover, DE
A chandelier by Palme & Walter with Murano glass droplets by Venini from the 1960s and 1970s! A stunningly beautiful Palwa glass droplet chandelier, the chandelier body is made of go...
Metal
1 of the 2 Brass and Crystal Chandelier, Ernst Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Rijssen, NL
This amazing pair of elegant chandeliers was made in the 1970s by the iconic firm Ernst Palme in the 1970s. Each piece is gold-plated and the 97 wonderful crystal prisms are in a tea...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Large Murano Glass Tear Drop Chandelier, Christoph Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning chandelier by Christoph Palme, Germany, manufactured in the 1970s. It’s composed of Murano teardrop glass pieces on a gilded brass frame. High quality and in very good co...
Brass
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
1970 Germany Palwa Tear Drop Chandelier Murano Glass and Silver Brass
By Venini, Palwa, Christoph Palme
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant teardrop chandelier made by Venini of transparent Murano glass drops mounted on a silver plated brass frame with silver leafs. Chandelier illuminates beautifully and offers...
Silver Plate, Chrome
1 of 2 Large Murano Glass Tear Drop Chandelier, Christoph Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 Stunning chandeliers by Christoph Palme, Germany, manufactured in the 1970s. It’s composed of Murano teardrop glass pieces on a gilded brass frame. High quality and in very g...
Brass
1 of 3 Brass and Crystal Glass Rods Flush mount light by C.Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 stunning Flush mount lights by Christoph Palme Germany, manufactured in 1970s. It’s composed of crystal glass rods on a brass frame. Sockets: It needs 4 x E27 standard small ...
Crystal, Brass
Stunning Gilt Brass and Crystal Glass Rods Chandelier by C.Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning chandelier by Christoph Palme Germany, manufactured in 1970s. It’s composed of crystal glass rods on a brass frame. Sockets: It needs 6 x E27 standard bulbs ( max. 80 W...
Crystal, Brass
Palwa 18" Sunburst Ball Chandelier Crystal & Gold-Plated Brass, Germany 1960s
By Christoph Palme, Palwa
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Enchanting sunburst ball chandelier with sparkling stars for infinity. Swarovski crystals placed on gold-plated sun rays explode between pulsating sun discs studded with crystals of ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Large Murano Glass Tear Drop Chandelier, Christoph Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning chandelier by Christoph Palme, Germany, manufactured in the 1970s. It’s composed of Murano teardrop glass pieces on a gilded brass frame. High quality and in very good co...
Brass
Large Murano Glass Tear Drop Chandelier, Christoph Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 Stunning chandeliers by Christoph Palme, Germany, manufactured in the 1970s. It’s composed of Murano teardrop glass pieces on a gilded brass frame. High quality and in very g...
Brass
$757Sale Price / set|20% Off
1 of 2 Pairs of Wonderful Crystal Rods Sconces Italy, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with crystal glasses, made in Italy, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each sconce needs 2 x E14 small bulb. Light bulbs are not included. It ...
Crystal, Brass
Palwa Sunburst Gilt Metal Flush Mount, 1970, Austria
By Palwa, Christoph Palme
Located in Bronx, NY
Palwa sunburst gilt metal flush mount with 10 candelabra sockets illuminating the glass pieces. Austria 1970.
Crystal, Metal
1 of 2 Extra Large Murano Glass Chandelier, Christoph Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 Stunning chandeliers by Christoph Palme, Germany, manufactured in the 1970s. It’s composed of many Murano glass pieces on a brass frame. Wonderful light effect. High quality a...
Brass
Palwa Crystal and Gold Plated Brass Chandelier, 1960 Austria
By Christoph Palme, Ernest Palme, Palwa
Located in Bronx, NY
Chandelier ,chunky diamond cut crystal in various sizes on a gilt brass frame By Palwa, Austria, 1970. Highly saturated frame with various sized crystals cut in an octagonal shape su...
Crystal, Brass
Exceptional Sculptural Glass and Brass Chandelier by Christoph Palme, 1980s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Warsaw, PL
Striking sculptural chandelier by Christoph Palme, Germany, 1980s. The design combines polished brass with vertically suspended clear glass rods and four triangular frosted glass ele...
Brass
Brass & Crystal Glass Ceiling Lamp by Christoph Palme for Palwa
By Palwa, Christoph Palme
Located in KUTNO, PL
Crystal pendant lamp by Palwa. It is a proposal of decorative lighting for sophisticated interiors in Hollywood Regency style. The elegance of the lamp is ensured by the brass finish...
Crystal, Brass
$2,360Sale Price / item|20% Off
1 'of 2' 1970 Germany Palwa Tear Drop Chandelier Murano Glass and Brass
By Venini, Palwa, Christoph Palme
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant teardrop chandelier made by Venini of clear Murano glass drops mounted on a gilt-brass frame. Chandelier illuminates beautifully and offers a lot of light. A real eyecatch...
Gold Plate, Brass
Pair of Palwa Sconces flower Crystal on a Gold-Plated Frame, Vienna, 1960
By Ernest Palme, Christoph Palme, Palwa
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair of Palwa sconces in the shape of flower stems ,cut crystals on a gold-plated frame, Vienna, 1960. Elegant pair highly detailed gold-plated sconces with a single candelabra socke...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Large Murano Glass Tear Drop Chandelier, Christoph Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning chandelier by Christoph Palme, Germany, manufactured in the 1970s. It’s composed of Murano teardrop glass pieces on a gilded brass frame. High quality and in very good cond...
Brass
German Vintage Gilt Brass and Glass Ceiling Light Pendant Chandelier, 1960s
By Palwa, Christoph Palme
Located in Berlin, DE
Wonderful massive crystal glass drops and gold/nickel-plated brass pendant chandelier. Germany, 1960s. Measures: Diameter 17 in Height (body) min.: 7.1 in. Lamp sockets: 8.
Crystal, Brass
1 of 2 Golden Gilded Brass and Crystal Glass Chandelier by Christoph Palme, 1960
By Christoph Palme
Located in Hagenbach, DE
An extraordinary chandelier by Christoph Palme made in Germany in the 1960s. The lamp has a very elegant design and is also very heavy. It is made in the period of Hollywood Regency....
Crystal, Brass
Large Murano Glass Tear Drop Chandelier by C.Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Flush mount light made by Christoph Palme, Germany, was manufactured in the 1970s. It’s composed of Murano teardrop glass pieces on a metal /brass frame. High qualit...
Crystal, Brass
Flush Mount by C. Palme Brass and Crystal, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Rijssen, NL
Wonderful light effect due to lovely glass elements. In very good vintage condition and ready to use. The light requires 13X E14 up to 30 Watts each. Led compatible.
Crystal, Brass
Elegant Mid Century Modern Crystal Chandelier by Christoph Palme Germany 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Munich, DE
Rare and stunning Mid Century Modern gilt brass and crystal glass 6-flamed chandelier or pendant lamp. Designed and manufactured by Christoph Palme, Germany, 1970s. Label inside the ...
Crystal, Brass
1 of 2 Large Crystal Glass Tear Drop Chandelier by C.Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning flush mount by Christoph Palme , Germany, manufactured in 1970s. It’s composed of crystal drop glass pieces on brass / metal frame. High quality of materials. Sockets: It...
Crystal, Brass
Stunning Large Brass Floor Lamp with crystal rods by C.Palme , Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Large Brass Floor Lamp with crystal rods by Christoph Palme , made in Germany in the 1970s It’s composed of several crystal glass rods on a brass frame. Wonderful light effe...
Crystal, Brass
1 of 3 Large Murano Glass Tear Drop Chandelier by C.Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning huge chandelier by Christoph Palme, Germany, was manufactured in the 1970s. It’s composed of Murano teardrop glass pieces on a metal /brass frame. High quality of material...
Crystal, Brass
1 of 2 Large Murano Glass Tear Drop Chandelier, Christoph Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 stunning chandeliers by Christoph Palme, Germany, manufactured in the 1970s. It’s composed of Murano teardrop glass pieces on a gilded brass frame. High quality and in very...
Brass
$2,320Sale Price / set|30% Off
1 of 3 Pairs of Wonderful Crystal Rod Sconces by Christoph Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury brass wall sconces with crystal glasses, made by Christoph Palme, Germany, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. ...
Crystal, Brass
1 of the 2 Large Brass and Crystal Chandeliers, Ernst Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Rijssen, NL
This amazing elegant chandelier was made in the 1970s by the iconic firm Ernst Palme in the 1970s. The piece is gold-plated and the 97 wonderful crystal prisms are in a tear-drop for...
Crystal, Gold Plate
1970s German Murano Glass Tear Drop & Brass Flush Mount by Christoph Palme
By Christoph Palme
Located in London, England
A striking flush mount ceiling light manufactured by Christoph Palme, Germany, during the 1970s. It’s composed of clear Murano teardrop glass elements on an aged polished brassed met...
Metal, Brass
Palwa Gold, Three tier Crystal Chandelier, 1970, Austria
By Palwa, Christoph Palme
Located in Bronx, NY
Gilt metal frame with organically inscription on the metal, the frame has a single Edison bulb in the centre, the frame has three tiers of drop shaped crystal glass pieces. Rewired ...
Crystal, Metal
Palwa Gold, Two tierCrystal Chandelier, 1970, Austria
By Palwa, Christoph Palme
Located in Bronx, NY
Gilt metal frame with organically inscription on the metal, the frame has a regular single bulb in the centre, the frame has two tiers of drop shaped crystal glass pieces surrounding...
Crystal, Metal
Palwa Gold, drop Crystal Chandelier, 1970, Austria
By Palwa, Christoph Palme
Located in Bronx, NY
Gilt metal frame with organically inscription on the metal, the frame has a single Edison bulb in the centre, the frame has three tiers of drop shaped crystal glass pieces. Rewired ...
Crystal, Metal
Palwa Flushmount with Swarovski Crystals, Germany, 1960s
By Christoph Palme, Palwa
Located in Bronx, NY
1970s round flush mount gilded frame that has numerous cut crystals and beads in various sizes in the placed in shapes of flowers , Austria. Six European candelabra sockets. Signed...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Pair of Wonderful Crystal Rods Sconces by Christoph Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury brass wall sconces with crystal glasses, made by Christoph Palme, Germany, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. ...
Crystal, Brass
1 of 3 Large Murano Glass Tear Drop Chandelier, Christoph Palme, Germany, 1970s
By Christoph Palme
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning chandelier by Christoph Palme, Germany, manufactured in the 1970s. It’s composed of Murano teardrop glass pieces on a brass frame. Wonderful light effect. High quality and i...
Brass
Pair of Palwa Sconces Swarovski Crystals on a Gold-Plated Frame, Vienna, 1960
By Christoph Palme, Palwa, Ernest Palme
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair of Palwa sconces cut crystals on a gold-plated frame, Vienna, 1960. Elegant pair highly detailed gold-plated sconces with a single candelabra socket by Palwa Vienna, Austria, 1...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Large Palwa Sconces with Thick Swarovski Crystal Rods, 1980, Germany
By Christoph Palme, Palwa, Ernest Palme
Located in Bronx, NY
Palwa sconces by Christoph Palme, 1980, Germany Pair of brass sconces with four European candelabra sockets the shade consist of 17 thick Swarovski crystal rods. Frames 24-Carat gilt...
Crystal, Brass
Vintage Crystal Sconces by Christoph Palme, Set of 2
By Christoph Palme
Located in Bastogne, BE
Crystal vintage wall sconces Christoph Palme. Germany Christoph Palme is one of the best light manufacturers in Europe! Gilded brass. High quality crystal! Vintage. 1970s. Siz...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Palwa Sunburst Gilt Metal Flush Mount, 1970, Austria
By Palwa, Christoph Palme
Located in Bronx, NY
Palwa sunburst gilt metal flush mount with 10 candelabra sockets illuminating the clear crystal glass pieces. Austria 1970. Two available.
Crystal, Metal