Kandem Lighting

German

Among the earliest lighting manufacturers in Germany, Kandem Leuchten GmbH embodies the progressive philosophy of the Bauhaus school.

In the early 20th century, the company’s popularity skyrocketed as a result of its innovative engineering and forward-looking visual design. Kandem popularized many features and forms that prominently characterize the lighting designs of today — such as the bell-shaped head and forward-foot base, which are common attributes of many table lamps.

German mechanics and good friends Max Körting and Wilhelm Mathiesen founded Kandem Leuchten GmbH as Körting and Mathiesen (K&M) in 1889. The two had developed a bond while working at a company in Leipzig and quickly found that they shared a similar professional vision with respect to design. They decided to go into business together in the then-fledgling field of electrical engineering.

Körting and Mathiesen set up shop and moved forward on their inaugural idea — creating a new type of arc lamp. To build capital for their project, the duo produced small electrical pieces such as light switches and doorbells that sold as quickly as they could make them. When they completed their arc lamp, it sold much more quickly than they expected. In order to increase their production, Körting and Mathiesen bought property and built a plant just outside of Leipzig. By this time the partners had rebranded the company as Kandem, which is an abbreviated combination of their surnames. However, colleagues and peers continued to refer to the company as Körting and Mathiesen.

In the 1920s, Kandem involved itself heavily in the Bauhaus design school, buying designs and enlisting the talents of the facility’s top artists at the student ateliers in Dessau — which was home to the institution following its move from Weimar, where Walter Gropius founded the school in 1919. Kandem partnered with notable Bauhaus product designers Hin Bredendieck and Marianne Brandt. After emigrating to the United States during the late 1930s, Bredendieck taught at the Institute of Design in Chicago and would later establish the Department of Industrial Design at Georgia Tech. Collectors celebrate Brandt for her boundless creativity and innovation in household products and accessories — many of which inspire designers to this day.

Kandem’s relationship with Bauhaus ended in 1933 when the school closed. The manufacturer continued to operate outside of Leipzig well into the mid-20th century, producing some of the most celebrated pieces in mid-century modern lighting design. Kandem now operates in Diez, Germany, as a subsidiary of the Dr. Fischer Group.

On 1stDibs, explore the vast array of Kandem table lamps, pendants and wall lights.

Creator: Kandem

beige bauhaus table Light "No 702" by Marianne Brandt for Kandem, Germany, 1920s

$1,410Sale Price|20% Off

beige bauhaus table Light "No 702" by Marianne Brandt for Kandem, Germany, 1920s

By Hin Bredendieck, Kandem, Marianne Brandt

Located in Kirchlengern, DE

Article: Desk light "No 702" Producer: KANDEM Leuchten, Germany DESIGN: Marianne Brandt und Hin Bredendieck (1928/29) Age: 1920s This original Bauhaus Light was designed ...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Bauhaus Kandem Lighting

Materials

Metal

Bauhaus Table or Desk Lamp Designed by Marianne Brandt

$1,290Sale Price|38% Off

Bauhaus Table or Desk Lamp Designed by Marianne Brandt

By Marianne Brandt, Kandem

Located in Vienna, AT

Beautiful iconic Bauhaus desk lamp designed by Marianne Brandt for Kandem Leuchtenbau Leipzig. It has the typical glass base which makes this model the much sought after one fitted w...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel

Kandem Model 540 Pendant Lights, Circa 1930s

$1,898 / set

Kandem Model 540 Pendant Lights, Circa 1930s

By Kandem

Located in Gloucester, GB

- Opaline glass shades. - Black painted steel tops. - Takes E27 fitting bulbs. - Marked "Kandem" on the shades. - Produced by Körting and Mathiesen, Leipzig. - German ~ 1930s. ...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Opaline Glass

Model 752 Table Lamp by Kandem, circa 1930s

$640

Model 752 Table Lamp by Kandem, circa 1930s

By Kandem

Located in Gloucester, GB

Model 752 table lamp by Kandem Circa 1930s. - Original brown paint - Cast iron foot with curved steel arm - Adjustable shade and arm - Original bakelite On/Off toggle switch -...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel

Bauhaus Table or Desk Lamp Designed by Marianne Brandt, Kandem, 1930s

$821

Bauhaus Table or Desk Lamp Designed by Marianne Brandt, Kandem, 1930s

By Marianne Brandt, Hin Bredendieck, Kandem

Located in Praha, CZ

- marked - adjustable - bauhaus, art deco, functionalism - nice style of lighitng

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Metal

Kandem Model 573 Table Lamp, Circa 1920s

$1,081

Kandem Model 573 Table Lamp, Circa 1920s

By Kandem

Located in Gloucester, GB

Kandem model 573 table lamp Circa 1920s - Pressed steel shade - "Kandem" branding on the shade - Black arm - Original On/Off toggle switch on the shade - Cast iron base - Tak...

Category

1920s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel

Bauhaus Kandem Table or Desk Lamp Designed by Marianne Brandt

$1,290

Bauhaus Kandem Table or Desk Lamp Designed by Marianne Brandt

By Marianne Brandt, Kandem

Located in Vienna, AT

Beautiful iconic Bauhaus desk lamp designed by Marianne Brandt for Kandem Leuchtenbau Leipzig. It has the typical glass base which makes this model the much sought after one fitted w...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel

Industrial Bauhaus, Marianne Brandt, Kandem, Glass Base Table Desk Lamp, 1930s

$1,174

Industrial Bauhaus, Marianne Brandt, Kandem, Glass Base Table Desk Lamp, 1930s

By Marianne Brandt, Kandem

Located in Praha, CZ

- rare type - adjustable - marked - industrial, art deco, bauhaus, functionalism

Category

1930s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Metal

Marianne Brandt Desk Lamp, 1950

$2,300

Marianne Brandt Desk Lamp, 1950

By Kandem, Marianne Brandt

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stunning Kandem task lamp for Leuchtenbau Leipzig, post WWII Model manufactured with original Kandem No. 1115 parts, original light grey enameled metal shade and arm on a clear glass...

Category

1950s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Metal

Model 530 Bauhaus Pendant Lights by Kandem, Circa 1920s

$1,156

Model 530 Bauhaus Pendant Lights by Kandem, Circa 1920s

By Kandem

Located in Gloucester, GB

Model 530 Bauhaus pendant lights by Kandem Circa 1920s - Price is per light (2 available) - Vitreous black enamel shades - Steel necks with brass screws - Steel hook hangings - Take...

Category

1920s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Enamel

Bauhaus Table or Desk Lamp Designed by Marianne Brandt

$2,100

Bauhaus Table or Desk Lamp Designed by Marianne Brandt

By Marianne Brandt, Kandem

Located in Vienna, AT

Beautiful iconic Bauhaus desk lamp designed by Marianne Brandt for Kandem Leuchtenbau Leipzig. It has the typical glass base which makes this model the much sought after one fitted w...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel

Model 999 Kandem Desk Lamp Circa 1930s

$558

Model 999 Kandem Desk Lamp Circa 1930s

By Kandem

Located in Gloucester, GB

Model 999 Kandem Desk Lamp Circa 1930s - Cast iron base - Original dark green paint - Angled steel shade - Articulated arm and shade - On/off toggle ...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel

Kandem 741 K30 Table Lamp Circa 1930s

$704

Kandem 741 K30 Table Lamp Circa 1930s

By Kandem

Located in Gloucester, GB

Kandem 741 K30 Table Lamp Circa 1930s - Original dark green paint - Steel shade - Articulated arm and shade - On/off toggle switch on the shade - Produced by Korting and Mathiesen, ...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel

Kandem 756 Desk Lamp, circa 1930s

$728

Kandem 756 Desk Lamp, circa 1930s

By Kandem

Located in Gloucester, GB

Kandem 756 desk lamp Circa 1930s. - Cast iron stepped base - Steel arm and shade - Original On/Off toggle switch on the shade - Produced by Kortin...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel

Kandem Model 967 by Hin Bredendieck, circa 1920s

$539

Kandem Model 967 by Hin Bredendieck, circa 1920s

By Kandem

Located in Gloucester, GB

Kandem Model 967 by Hin Bredendieck, circa 1920s - Cast iron base - Adjustable curved steel arm - Steel shade - Original toggle On/Off switch - Designed by Hin Bredendieck ...

Category

1920s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel

Task Lamp by Marianne Brandt for Kandem

$1,600

Task Lamp by Marianne Brandt for Kandem

By Kandem, Marianne Brandt

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Striking 1930s task lamp No.802PL by Marianne Brandt for Kandem (1934-1939), enameled black with a white shade interior, with custom solid steel bases, can be used as wall or table l...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Metal

Rare Kandem Wall or Table Lamp

$890Sale Price|40% Off

Rare Kandem Wall or Table Lamp

By Marianne Brandt, Kandem

Located in Vienna, AT

Very seldom lamp designed in Germany in the second half of the 1930s by Marianne Brandt for Kandem. Steel gray painted with enameled shade. It has a ball joint at the base and the he...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Enamel, Steel

Marianne Brandt for Kandem Glass Base Table Desk Lamp

$1,900

Marianne Brandt for Kandem Glass Base Table Desk Lamp

By Kandem, Marianne Brandt

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Nice vintage circa 1930s lamp.

Category

1930s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Metal

Buahaus Metal Pendant Kandem, 1930s

$413Sale Price|20% Off

Buahaus Metal Pendant Kandem, 1930s

By Kandem

Located in Praha, CZ

- 1930 - Germany - Maker: Kandem - Perfect original condition - The rod can be shortened.

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Metal

Antique German Opaline Pendant Light by Kandem

$2,939

Antique German Opaline Pendant Light by Kandem

By Kandem

Located in London, GB

A large opaline pendant. Germany, c1930s. Original rose retained. Remains in very good condition. Stamped to the glass. Re-wired and PAT tested. 35 cm height t...

Category

1930s German Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Metal

Black Enamel 1930s Vintage Industrial Pendant Lights

$421

H 12.6 in Dm 13.39 in

Black Enamel 1930s Vintage Industrial Pendant Lights

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Bauhaus Classic from the 1930s. Black enamel Industrial hanging lamp. Cast iron top. White interior. Weight: 1.7 kg / 3.7 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made su...

Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Kandem Lighting

Materials

Enamel, Iron

Bauhaus style Zirax table lamp by Schneider & Co, Germany, circa 1930s

$528

H 17.72 in W 5.71 in D 11.82 in

Bauhaus style Zirax table lamp by Schneider & Co, Germany, circa 1930s

By Marianne Brandt, Kandem, Kaiser Idell, Dr. Ing. Schneider & Co.

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Zirax table or desk lamp manufactured by Dr. Ing. Schneider & Co, Frankfurt. Typical Bauhaus lamp from the 1930s. Dr. Ing. Schneider & Co was founded in 1911 in Frankfurt am Main, b...

Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Kandem Lighting

Materials

Metal, Iron, Sheet Metal

Black Enamel Vintage Industrial Bauhaus, 1930s Pendant Lights

$445 / item

H 13 in Dm 13 in

Black Enamel Vintage Industrial Bauhaus, 1930s Pendant Lights

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Bauhaus Classic from the 1930s. Black enamel Industrial hanging lamp. Cast iron top. White interior. Weight: 2.2 kg / 4.9 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made su...

Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Kandem Lighting

Materials

Enamel, Iron

Circa 1920s Art Deco Table Lamp

$960

H 15.75 in Dm 5.91 in

Circa 1920s Art Deco Table Lamp

Located in CA, CA

Art Deco early 1920s Lamp with original glass ball shade. Both shade and base are decorated with a floral relief.

Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Nickel

Black Enamel Bauhaus 1930s Vintage Industrial Pendant Lights

$481 / item

H 14.97 in Dm 13.39 in

Black Enamel Bauhaus 1930s Vintage Industrial Pendant Lights

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Bauhaus Classic from the 1930s. Black enamel industrial hanging lamp. Cast iron top. White interior. Weight 2.4 kg / 5.3 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made sui...

Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Kandem Lighting

Materials

Enamel, Iron

Model HMB 27/250 Bauhaus Suspension Light by Marianne Brandt

$1,880 / item

H 52 in Dm 10 in

Model HMB 27/250 Bauhaus Suspension Light by Marianne Brandt

By Marianne Brandt, Tecnolumen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Model HMB 27/250 Bauhaus suspension light by Marianne Brandt. Originally manufactured in 1926. Current production manufactured in Germany by Tecnolumen. Nickel plated metal, opaque g...

Category

2010s German Mid-Century Modern Kandem Lighting

Materials

Nickel

Model DMB 26 Bauhaus Pendant Light by Marianne Brandt for Tecnolumen

$1,880 / item

H 18.11 in Dm 9.84 in

Model DMB 26 Bauhaus Pendant Light by Marianne Brandt for Tecnolumen

By Marianne Brandt, Tecnolumen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Model DMB 26 Bauhaus pendant light by Marianne Brandt for Tecnolumen. Originally designed in 1926. Current production designed and manufactured in Germany. Nickel and opaque glass gl...

Category

2010s German Bauhaus Kandem Lighting

Materials

Nickel

Danish Designer, Pendant Lights, Brass, Denmark, 1930s

$4,600 / set

H 48.5 in Dm 6.825 in

Danish Designer, Pendant Lights, Brass, Denmark, 1930s

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of brass pendant lights designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 48.5” H x 6.825” Diameter Canopy not included. Cord length: 37” H Bulb Spe...

Category

1930s Danish Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Brass

Bauhaus Pendant, circa 1930s

$763Sale Price|40% Off

H 44.1 in Dm 11.82 in

Bauhaus Pendant, circa 1930s

By Bauhaus

Located in Wien, AT

Bauhaus Pendant, circa 1930s Nikel-plated

Category

1930s German Art Deco Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Nickel

Art Deco Table Lamp, Vienna, circa 1920s

$305

H 14.57 in Dm 6.7 in

Art Deco Table Lamp, Vienna, circa 1920s

Located in Wien, AT

Art Deco table lamp, Vienna, circa 1920s Polished and stove enameled Shade replaced (new).

Category

1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Brass

1930s Polaroid Table Lamp, Model 114, USA

$2,500Sale Price|50% Off

H 10 in W 11.88 in D 12.5 in

1930s Polaroid Table Lamp, Model 114, USA

By Walter Dorwin Teague

Located in St- Leonard, Quebec

Art Deco, machine age Polaroid table lamp made of thick bakelite and casted aluminium. Desk lamp, model 114, designed in 1939 for the Polaroid Corporatio...

Category

1930s American Machine Age Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Adjustable Bauhaus Table Lamp or Desk Light by SIS Germany 1930s

$2,585

H 18.9 in W 9.45 in D 16.54 in

Adjustable Bauhaus Table Lamp or Desk Light by SIS Germany 1930s

By Bünte und Remmler, Kaiser Idell, Christian Dell, SIS, Kaiser Leuchten

Located in Munich, DE

Elegant Bauhaus / Modernist table lamp or desk light. Adjustable, rotating and removable lamp shade. Designed and manufactured by SIS-Leuchten, Germany, 1930s. Manufacturers logo on ...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel, Aluminum, Iron, Nickel

Previously Available Items

Kandem Model 468 Pendant Lights Circa 1930s

Sold

H 35.44 in W 10.24 in D 10.24 in

Kandem Model 468 Pendant Lights Circa 1930s

By Kandem

Located in Gloucester, GB

Kandem Model 468 Pendant Lights Circa 1930s - Opaline glass shades - Aluminium tops - Model 468 - Takes E27 fitting bulbs - Marked "Kandem" on the shades and bulb holders - Produced...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Opaline Glass

Two Tone Pendant by Kandem, Germany, circa 1930

Sold

H 19 in Dm 16 in

Two Tone Pendant by Kandem, Germany, circa 1930

By Kandem

Located in Culver City, CA

Two Tone Pendant by Kandem, Germany, circa 1930 Singular two tone glass shade, with industrial metal fitter. Measures 19”h x 16”dia *Not UL Listed*

Category

Mid-20th Century German Kandem Lighting

Materials

Glass

Vintage Bauhaus Dark Green Desk Lamp from Kandem, 1930s

Sold

H 19.69 in W 5.52 in D 9.06 in

Vintage Bauhaus Dark Green Desk Lamp from Kandem, 1930s

By Kandem

Located in Kojetice, CZ

A Beautiful Bauhaus classic dark green KANDEM model 1087 DRG desk lamp made in Germany during the 1930s. Designed by Hin Bredendieck. - Cast iron base - Curved adjustable arm - On/Of...

Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Kandem Lighting

Materials

Iron

Wilhelm Bader Scissor Wall Lamp, 1930

Sold

H 12 in W 7 in D 50 in

Wilhelm Bader Scissor Wall Lamp, 1930

By Kandem

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Articulating black enameled metal scissor wall lamp by Wilhelm Bader, extends from 14" to 50", hood enameled white interior, one E26 socket, max. wat...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Metal

Kandem Model 573 Table Lamp Circa 1920s

Sold

H 20.87 in W 6.3 in D 7.88 in

Kandem Model 573 Table Lamp Circa 1920s

By Kandem

Located in Gloucester, GB

Kandem Model 573 table lamp Circa 1920s - Pressed steel shade - Steel arm - Original On/Off toggle switch on the shade - Cast iron base - Original paint - Takes E27 fitting b...

Category

1920s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel

Model 574 Kandem Desk Lamp, Circa 1920s

Sold

H 31.5 in W 7.09 in D 8.67 in

Model 574 Kandem Desk Lamp, Circa 1920s

By Kandem

Located in Gloucester, GB

Model 574 Kandem desk lamp Circa 1920s - Original dark green paint - Pressed steel shade with Kandem branding - Articulated arm and shade - On/o...

Category

1920s German Industrial Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel

Model 999 Kandem Desk Lamp, Circa 1930s

Sold

H 19.3 in W 5.52 in D 8.67 in

Model 999 Kandem Desk Lamp, Circa 1930s

By Kandem

Located in Gloucester, GB

Model 999 Kandem desk lamp Circa 1930s - Cast iron base - Angled steel shade - Articulated arm and shade - Original on/off switch on the shade ...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel

Opaline & Frosted Glass Pendant by Kandem, Germany circa 1930

Sold

H 17 in Dm 10.75 in

Opaline & Frosted Glass Pendant by Kandem, Germany circa 1930

By Kandem

Located in Culver City, CA

*Please note the price is per unit, and the lights are sold individually* Opaline & Frosted Glass Pendant by Kandem Germany circa 1930 Model 593 pendant Designed by Körting & Math...

Category

Early 20th Century German Kandem Lighting

Materials

Opaline Glass

XL Factory Pendant Lights by Kandem circa 1930s

Sold

H 20.08 in W 22.05 in D 22.05 in

XL Factory Pendant Lights by Kandem circa 1930s

By Kandem

Located in Gloucester, GB

XL factory pendant lights by Kandem circa 1930s - Price is per light (15 available) - Vitreous grey enamel shades - Shades twist off for easy cleaning - Brushed steel tops with...

Category

1930s German Industrial Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel

Kandem Model 571, Circa 1920s

Sold

H 19.69 in W 6.7 in D 7.88 in

Kandem Model 571, Circa 1920s

By Kandem

Located in Gloucester, GB

Kandem Model 571 Circa 1920s - Cast iron base with curved arm - Takes E27 bulbs - Original On/Off toggle switch on the shade - Original dark green and brown paint - Model 571 ...

Category

1920s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Steel

Vintage Dark Green Bauhaus Desk Lamp from Kandem Leuchten, 1930s

Sold

H 19.69 in W 5.52 in D 9.06 in

Vintage Dark Green Bauhaus Desk Lamp from Kandem Leuchten, 1930s

By Kandem

Located in Kojetice, CZ

Vintage Bauhaus classic dark green KANDEM desk lamp made in Germany during the 1930s. - Cast iron base - Curved adjustable arm - On/Off switch on the...

Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Kandem Lighting

Materials

Iron

Bauhaus Dessau Pendant by Marianne Brandt

Sold

H 35.44 in Dm 15.75 in

Bauhaus Dessau Pendant by Marianne Brandt

By Kandem, Marianne Brandt

Located in Dronten, NL

Rare large pendant designed at the Bauhaus Dessau ateliers by Marianne Brandt and executed by Kandem, Leipzig, Germany. White cased opal glass with nick...

Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Kandem Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Nickel

Kandem lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Kandem lighting are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Kandem lighting, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original lighting by Kandem were created in the mid-century modern style in germany during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lighting by Marianne Brandt, Peter Behrens , and Midgard. Prices for Kandem lighting can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $373 and can go as high as $7,940, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,070.