ANT-1385 Scarce Art Deco Solid Bronze Chandelier by Mid-West c.1935
Mid-West was a top of the line manufacturer, who in their beginning of business only cast solid bronze lights that were exceedingly difficult due to their design complications.
As an example...here is a top-of-the-line chandelier with a solid bronze shade frame, ca.1935. This chandelier came from the series called: The Royal Series. Mid-West seemed to tackle only the most difficult projects. This fixture, at first glance, it seems a simple fixture to make. But...the shades are beautifully re-curved and still must fit the frame that also needs the same curves. So the frame needs to be cast PERFECTLY to fit these interesting shades. It’s really a monumental craftsman’s activity from both glassmaker and bronze caster.
Our museum reference to Mid-West, talks about a board meeting held during the Depression, where some members of the board argued to change their materials from difficult bronze to cheaper offerings since the they were afraid that customers would not be available to purchase the higher end lighting that they made due to the financial downturn of the Depression.
The Mid-West CEO/President denied the idea of substituting his complicated designs and stated “there are always people with money”. While they did not stop casting fabulous bronze lights, they also added an aluminum line to compete with Lincoln Mnf. who was selling to Sears. Sears customers, during the Depression, would not normally come up to the pricing level of Bronze Materials. The CEO was correct. Mid-West did survive the Depression and was sold a few years back to a large lighting conglomerate. (Information courtesy of the Kelly Art Deco Lighting Museum.)
Measurements: 17" tall with a diameter of 19”.
We have re-wired this fantastic chandelier to UL standards with new sockets in our UL shop. So, this very unusual chandelier is ready to hang with a standard UL light mounting kit that we will supply.
Price: $1,350 with its unusual re-curved amber glass shades, plus normal shipping charges.
