Antique Lighting - Are You Searching for the Genuine One?

Antiques have a charm of their own including antique lighting fixtures such as antique chandelier lighting or antique glass pendant lighting. While these pieces may not offer the best illumination, the glow they provide is one of age and beauty, evoking memories of an era that we have left behind. Collectors of antique lighting fixtures must be among the most well educated and savvy of antique customers since the object of their interest are relatively fragile pieces that rarely survive to the present without modification or damage.

With appropriate care, however, there are many fine pieces available for purchase that will make lovely additions to both your home and your collection.

History Of Antique Lighting

Since man domesticated fire, he has always looked for new ways to illuminate his life. In the old days electricity was not known in the form we use it today and artificial light would have been considered witchcraft. Natural combustible forms of fuel were used to light rooms from the common candle to whale oil lamps. At the beginning of the 19th century the incandescent bulb was invented and man's dependence on electricity was born. Antique lighting f ixtures can span this evolution of illumination and may take the form of elaborate candlesticks, beautifully crafted oil lamps, or early electrical fixtures.

Major Brands In Antique Lighting

Although many craftsmen have lent their skill to the production of fine lighting pieces, a comprehensive catalog of their work is beyond the scope of this article. A representative sampling of lighting manufacturers, however, must include the names Tiffany, Pairpoint, and Baccarat.

Louis Comfort Tiffany is considered one of the greatest craftsmen of American decorative art. Son of the founder of Tiffany & Co. (the renowned jeweler), the younger Tiffany earned prizes throughout the world for his work. In 1902 he was assigned as Design Director of his family business producing exquisite lighting fixtures for the White House and for notables like Mark Twain. Tiffany lamp shades are characterized by intricate stained glass and are among the most prized of antique lighting fixtures.

The Pairp oint Manufacturing Company was established in 1880, and made accessories for coffins and other pieces of metalwork. Since its neighbor was a glass manufacturer, a merger was proposed and finalized in 1894. Since then, Pairpoint has produced luxury lamps with bases made from brass, wood, silver, copper and bronze.

The French Baccarat company was founded in the 18th century under the orders of King Louis XV of France. Located at Baccarat, France, the company has, for almost three centuries, offered the world the best in glass making including some of the most exquisite antique chandelier lighting ever produced.

Continue to: What Does Antique Outdoor Lighting Include

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