British glassmakers F. & C. Osler redefined the art of cut-glass design in an era of Victorian luxury, refinement and grandeur.
The firm began in Birmingham in 1807 by Thomas Osler, who established his business making small glass ornaments and pieces for chandeliers. His sons, Follett and Clarkson Osler, joined the company and, in 1831, reorganized it as F. & C. Osler.
During the 1840s, F. & C. Osler expanded production to include the manufacture of chandeliers and glass furnishings, opening a second workshop in London in 1845. The company focused on producing large-scale designs, leading to the creation of one of their most famous pieces: the 27-foot-high, four-ton Crystal Fountain for London’s Great Exhibition in 1851. Another notable F. & C. Osler piece at the exhibition was a pair of eight-foot-high candelabras purchased by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. Today, they are on display as part of the Royal Collection at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.
The success of F. & C. Osler’s Crystal Fountain established the company’s reputation as one of the finest glassmakers of the 19th century. Wealthy clients coveted its cut-glass chandeliers, wall sconces, epergnes, candelabras and decorative centerpieces.
F. & C. Osler also received several important commissions. In 1856, F. & C. Osler designed a large chandelier for St. George’s Hall in Liverpool and a 36-light chandelier for London’s Mansion House. In 1858, they were asked to produce tableware for a banquet held by Queen Victoria at Aston Hall, in Birmingham. The Queen is said to have been so impressed with the glassware she asked permission to keep a champagne glass.
F. & C. Osler thrived throughout the late 19th century, experimenting with complex cut-glass motifs and expanding its successful export market to India. They became a favorite glassmaker for Indian royalty and aristocratic English ex-pats.
By the 1920s, demand for cut-glass products waned, and F. & C. Osler closed its Birmingham factory in 1922. The company remained in business, albeit on a much smaller scale, until 1976.
Today, F. & C. Osler remains a symbol of grand Victorian glassmaking and is sought by antique collectors and interior designers worldwide.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique F. & C. Osler lighting, decorative objects and serveware.
$1,964 / set
A Fine Pair Of Crystal Candlesticks By F&C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A fine pair of early Victorian, crystal candlesticks, hung with unusual drumstick drops, attributed to F&C Osler
Glass
Exceptionally Large Pair of Victorian Lustres by F&C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
An exceptionally large pair of Victorian lustres by F&C Osler with round scolloped edged bases with corresponding turnover drip pans and candle nozzl...
Cut Glass
$930 / set
H 4.93 in W 4.97 in D 4.97 in
Pair of Art Deco Lustre Candlesticks by Josef Ekberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s
By Gustavsberg, Josef Ekberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of candlesticks with amazing lustre glaze and hand painted gold details. Scandinavian Grace / Art Deco. Made by Josef Ekberg at Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, o...
Ceramic
Pair of Classical Tiffany & Co. Crystal Candlestick Holders
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pair of crystal candlestick holders by the renowned Tiffany & Co. showcases the timeless sophistication and enduring craftsmanship for which the brand is celebrated. Fea...
Crystal
Art Deco Revival Pair of Crystal Candlesticks
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Pair of lead crystal candle holders was made in Czech Republic for Mikasa. Vintage reproduction of Art Deco style, the candle holders are ...
Crystal
Large Pair of Antique Victorian Brass Candlesticks
Located in Suffolk, GB
Large pair of antique Victorian brass candlesticks having a shaped turned column and raised on a square stepped base Measures: H 27.5cm W 10.5cm D 11cm Date 1860.
Brass
Large Pair of Antique Victorian Quality Brass Candlesticks
Located in Suffolk, GB
Large pair of antique Victorian quality brass candlesticks having circular tops above a reeded column supported by unusual shaped decorative bases raised on shaped feet A delight...
Brass
$2,650 / set
H 11 in Dm 4.75 in
Fine Pair of French Empire Dore Bronze & Cut Crystal Ormolu-Mounted Candlesticks
Located in Roslyn, NY
An elegant French Empire or neoclassical pair of doré bronze and cut crystal ormolu-mounted candlesticks. Measures: 4.75W x 11 H.
Crystal, Bronze
$10,160 / set
H 9.06 in Dm 3.94 in
Very Fine Pair of Antique Continental Silver Mounted Rock Crystal Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
The candlestick bodies of fine, translucent rock crystal accented with silver gilt mounts; the candlestick base mounts decorated with neo-Gothic style patterns and masked faces. T...
Rock Crystal, Silver
A Pair of Green and White Overlay Glass Lustres
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Pair of Green and White Overlay Glass Lustres. Originally Bohemian Gothic Glassware was made of green glass known as 'forest' glass. In the Renaissance period, the glassmaking p...
Glass
Set of 3 Crystal Candlesticks by Oleg Cassini
By Oleg Cassini
Located in New York, NY
Set of three (3) crytsal candlesticks, signed Oleg Cassini. USA, circa 1970. Dimensions: Base: 3.25 inches x 3.25 inches Height: 6 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches (respectively)
Crystal
$21,260 / set
H 20 in Dm 5 in
Fine Pair of Jeweled French Art Deco Rock Crystal Candlesticks Att. to "Bagues"
By Maison Baguès
Located in New York, NY
A fine and very large pair of jeweled French Art Deco rock crystal candlesticks, with mercury gilded bronze mounts. The multi shaped elements are adorned by 3 carat hand faceted ruby...
Rock Crystal, Bronze
$304,811 / set
H 56.5 in W 20 in D 20 in
Exceptional Pair of French Ormolu-Mounted Marble Candelabra by Sormani of Paris
By Paul Sormani
Located in London, GB
A Remarkable Pair of Ormolu-Mounted Marble Candelabra by Sormani of Paris After the originals by Jean-François Lorta (1752-1837) Residing at the Louvre Constructed from the unusual...
Marble, Porphyry, Ormolu
Pair of Modern Style Rock Crystal Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Cypress, CA
Lovely pair of modern style rock crystal bronze candlesticks. Black finish. A black bulbous candleholder is over a tapered turned shaft, supported by five hand carved and hand polis...
Rock Crystal, Bronze
Rare Pair of Blue Cut-Glass Candlesticks by F&C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A highly unusual pair of blue cut-glass candlesticks of the finest quality by F&C Osler hung with there rare tulip drops. Sadly there is a chip to one collar please see image.
Cut Glass
Fine Set of Four Victorian Lustres Hung with Spade Drops
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A fine set of four Victorian lustres on scalloped foot with scale cut bodies and rim, hung with spade drops and spangles.