(Item 32)
This Antique Variegated Copper Japanned Finish Billiard Chandelier, dating to c.1890, is a premier example of Victorian-era industrial artistry. Described as “second to none,” this two-arm fixture features a sophisticated Japanned finish—a multi-layered lacquering technique that creates a rich, mottled copper patina.
Design & Architectural Details
Body & Arms: The fixture boasts a “fancy” central body with spiral-twisted arms, a hallmark of high-end late 19th-century metalwork.
Ornamentation: * Fluted ceiling bell equipped with integrated chain hooks.
Upright decorative bell and a fluted upper disk, providing a balanced, tiered silhouette.
High-quality cast chains for suspension and stability.
Hardware: Features authentic turn-key sockets, allowing for individual control of the lights.
Dimensions & Illumination
Width: Measures 46″ wide from the outside edges of the shades, ideal for illuminating the center of a standard billiard table.
Shades: Outfitted with 10″ green glass shades featuring a cased white interior. This dual-layer glass was engineered to reflect maximum light downward onto the playing surface while reducing glare for the players.
Fitters: Standard 2 1/4″ fitters for the shade attachments.
Collector’s Note
The variegated copper Japanned finish is particularly desirable among collectors because it offers more visual depth than standard brass or nickel plating. Finding a fixture of this complexity with its original decorative elements—especially the fluted disks and spiral arms—is a rare opportunity for those restoring a period-correct billiard room.
