P.O. Box 210, Planitarium Station New York City, NY 10024 , United States Call Seller 646.645.0404

Showrooms

Sandwich Cut-Glass and Brass Solar Lamp

Price Upon Request
  • Description
    SANDWICH CUT-GLASS AND BRASS SOLAR LAMP
    Cornelius & Company (active 1839-1851)
    Philadelphia, c. 1843

    The spherical etched and cut glass shade above a spun brass oil font bearing the label of Cornelius and Company, on a molded brass fitting on a cut-glass tapering standard with ovals of various sizes, red cased cut to clear, on a square white marble plinth with molded brass decoration. Label: Cornelius & Co./ PHILAD/ Patent/ April 18T. 1843.

    H: 18"

    Condition: Excellent; retaining pristine factory-original antique brass lacquered patination, perfect cut-glass standard, never electrified, and retaining shade holder and central spiral cut air tube.

    Cornelius was established in Philadelphia in 1831 and, advancing through a series of incarnations, lasted though the end of the 19th century, eventually becoming the largest lighting manufacturer in North America. From 1851 to 1861, the firm was called Cornelius & Baker.

    The Solar lamp, so named for the brightness of its light being like the sun, worked on the Argand principle, using a central air shaft drawing air through a tubular wick to the middle of the flame. A reflector surrounding the flame also directed air flow at the outside of the flame, increasing the rate of combustion. The design of the font and burner represented an advancement of technology by allowing it to burn less expensive fuel.

    According to Jane Shadel Spillman in her article "American Glass in the Bohemian Style" the earliest cased glass made in the United States began about 1846 and the New England Glass Company showed case glass at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. The Boston and Sandwich Glass Company also made cased glass in the 1850's and '60's and specialized in lamps and cologne bottles. They showed "coated and colorless glass" at the Franklin Institute's annual exhibition in Philadelphia in 1846.

    Additional information about Cornelius can be found in: R. Curt Chinnici, "The Manufacture of Argand Lamps in Philadelphia," The Magazine Antiques (February 2002), 62-67 and Donald L. Fennimore, "Cornelius & Baker" Antiques & Fine Arts Magazine (Winter, 2016), 107-114.
  • More Information
    Origin: United States, Pennsylvania
    Period: 19th Century
    Materials: Cut Glass and Brass
    Condition: Excellent.
    Creation Date: 1850
    Styles / Movements: Victorian
    Book References: Gerald T. Gowitt, 19th Century Elegant Lighting (Atglen, PA., Schiffer Publishing, 2002), 158-169.
    Dealer Reference #: L-RA-169292
    Incollect Reference #: 203797
  • Dimensions
    H. 18 in;
    H. 45.72 cm;
Message from Seller:

Carswell Rush Berlin, Inc. – American Classical Furniture

Sign In To View Price close

You must Sign In to your account to view the price. If you don’t have an account, please Create an Account below.

Loading...
Loading... Loading...
  • This website uses cookies to track how visitors use our website to provide a better user experience. By continuing to browse this website, you are agreeing to our cookie policy
    Ok
Join InCollect close

Join to view prices, save favorites, share collections and connect with others.

Forgot Password?
  • Be the first to see new listings and weekly events
    Invalid Email. Please try again.
    Enter