Jan & John Maggs

Antiques and Art

An antique brass 6-arm chandelier, probably made by Lester Berry

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A beautiful brass chandelier in the style of Dutch examples from the 1600’s. It has six swanlike arms, each held in place by a flat tenon, and locked by a round pin. The core is in two pieces, held together by an internal rod, secured at the top with an iron wedge. The brass S-hook with its attractive acorns is included, as is a bit of chain.

Lester Berry was an antiques dealer who founded a company that manufactured fine reproduction brass lighting in the middle of the 20th century. Most consider his pieces superior to those of Virginia Metalcrafters. While it is unsigned, we have identified this chandelier by the distinctive elongated candle socket that we have seen on many other Berry pieces.

It can be easily disassembled for shipping, and assembly is simple: each arm is identified by a number stamped into the arm and the central core.

The lower tier measures 17 inches from the outer edges of opposing candle sockets, and the core, including its two brass rings, is approximately 17 inches tall. This symmetry is characteristic of most chandeliers made in Holland in the 17th century.

The chandelier has never been electrified or lacquered; it is ready to receive candles and light a room or a table.

American, mid-20th century

Price: $895

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