A three-light semi-flush ceiling light by Metro-Vick Supplies Limited, the 'Markby', catalogue number 740 in Natural Bronze finish. It has its original cast bronze frame and three original B22 lampholders, and is fitted with a 12 inch cut crystal bowl.
The Markby is designed to fix directly to the ceiling. The fluted column holds the band about 4 inches below the ceiling plate, so light spills up onto the ceiling as well as down through the bowl. A fully flush fitting can't do this. It is photographed here hanging from a chain.
The Glass
The bowl is cut crystal. A satin-finished collar sits within the band, and below it a deep band of diamond cutting runs round the body. The base is a satin-finished disc cut with a radiating star.
The Metro-Vick catalogue listed a satin glass bowl with a cut star for this fitting: No. 7466, at £1 7s 6d. This bowl keeps the 12 inch size, the satin finish and the star-cut base, and adds the band of diamond cutting.
Lit, the diamond cutting sparkles while the satin collar and base soften the light, so there is no glare from the lamps. The bowl is in excellent condition.
The Frame
The frame is a heavy, solid bronze casting of exceptional quality. A stepped ceiling plate carries a fluted trumpet column, and three curved arms run from the column to a broad band. The band is moulded with vertical flutes and hung with laurel swags between three circular medallions. Each medallion is cast in relief with a sea-centaur drawing a bow: a figure with a man's torso, horse's forelegs and a coiled fish tail.
The band opens on a hinge and closes with a screwed catch, so the bowl drops down for relamping. Inside are the three original B22 bayonet lampholders.
The bronze has a warm gold tone that has aged naturally over time to a soft patina, with light verdigris in the laurel swags. The fitting is in excellent condition.
Metro-Vick Supplies Limited
Metro-Vick Supplies Limited was the supply company of Metropolitan-Vickers, trading from Metro-Vick House on Charing Cross Road, London. Its light fittings were made at the Harcourt factory in Birmingham.
The Markby appears in the company's late-1920s catalogue as a three-light fitting with a 4¼ inch ceiling plate, a 14 inch band, a 12 inch bowl and a depth of 10½ inches overall. In Natural Bronze finish it was priced at £11 10s 0d, including lampholders and glassware but not wiring. The catalogue page is included in the photographs.
Provenance — W. Sitch & Co.
W. Sitch & Co., the London lighting firm founded in 1776, supplied and maintained fittings for country houses, theatres and public buildings. This fitting is offered as part of our W. Sitch & Co. collection, and its cut crystal bowl comes from the Sitch archive.
Ideal For
- Dining rooms, drawing rooms and libraries
- Hallways and landings where ceiling height is limited
- Period townhouse and country house restorations
- Boutique hotels and restaurants
Technical Specification
Maker: Metro-Vick Supplies Limited
Model: 'Markby', Cat. No. 740, Natural Bronze finish
Origin: England
Date: late 1920s
Lights: three
Ceiling plate diameter: 4¼ inch (108mm)
Band diameter: 14 inch (356mm); approx. 15¾ inch (400mm) across the medallions
Bowl diameter: 12 inch (305mm)
Overall depth: approx. 14⅝ inch (370mm)
Ceiling to band: approx. 4 inch (100mm)
Weight: approx. 22 lb (10kg)
Materials: cast bronze, cut crystal
Finish: original bronze, warm gold tone with natural aged patina
Condition: excellent
Bulb holders: three original B22 bayonet, LED compatible
Stock number: IG221733
Wiring
Professionally rewired and ready for installation. We supply worldwide and wire to local standards on request:
- UK: original B22 holders, wired to BS 7671
- Europe: original B22 holders; E27 conversion on request
- USA & Canada: original B22 holders retained; 110V B22 LED bulbs are readily available
- Australia & New Zealand: original B22 holders, local standard configuration
Please advise destination country at point of order.
Shipping
Free UK mainland shipping. Worldwide shipping available — please enquire for a quote. All items are professionally packed and dispatched via DHL or specialist courier. All shipments are fully insured through Secursus.
