G.E.C. “Magnet” Cast Iron Well Glass Pendant Lights
Maker: General Electric Company Ltd (G.E.C.)
Origin: England
Era: Circa 1920
A rare and highly desirable run of early twentieth-century cast iron well glass pendant lights manufactured by the General Electric Company Ltd.
These fittings represent one of the earliest and most iconic forms of British industrial lighting — engineered for demanding environments where durability, safety and reliability were essential.
Unlike later lighter industrial fittings, these early wellglass lights were heavily engineered, with thick cast iron housings and substantial glass enclosures designed to protect the lamp in exposed industrial environments.
Historical Context
The General Electric Company Ltd (G.E.C.) was one of the most important electrical manufacturers in Britain during the early twentieth century, supplying lighting and electrical equipment to factories, railway infrastructure, shipyards and public buildings.
These fittings carry the G.E.C. “Magnet” trademark, one of the company’s well-known early branding marks, stamped into both sections of the casting.
The presence of the “Made in England” marking further reinforces their early production period.
Well glass fittings such as these were designed to maximise downward light output while protecting the lamp within a robust glass enclosure — making them ideal for workshops, mills, warehouses and other industrial environments.
Today they have become highly sought after for their authentic industrial character.
Design & Architectural Character
The design is beautifully simple and highly functional.
A heavy cast iron cap secures the cylindrical well glass enclosure, held in place by a traditional clamp mechanism with winged tightening screws — a detail that remains both practical and visually distinctive.
The glass enclosure protects the lamp while allowing light to disperse evenly downward and outward.
Their restrained industrial form translates perfectly into contemporary architectural settings.
Ideal for:
• Kitchen island lighting
• Restaurant and bar interiors
• Industrial residential conversions
• Retail environments
• Studio and workspace lighting
• Hospitality projects requiring multiple matching fittings
The availability of a larger run of fourteen pieces makes them particularly attractive for designers specifying lighting across an entire project.
Construction
Heavy cast iron body
Traditional well glass enclosure
Clamp ring with wing fasteners
Original industrial design
Glass stamped “British Make”
Both cast sections feature the G.E.C. Magnet logo along with Made in England markings.
Dimensions
Diameter: 120mm
Height: 250mm
Weight: Approx. 3kg each
14 Available
Finish
Unrestored as shown.
The cast iron surfaces display natural industrial patination and age-related wear.
All unrestored pieces are sold fully restored to agreed specification.
Restoration finishes can be tailored to suit project requirements, including:
• Stabilised raw cast iron
• Refined industrial finish
• Darkened antique patina
• Protective sealing
Lamp Holder
Configured to suit project specification.
UK: E27 or B22
US: E26 or B22
LED compatible.
Dimmable depending on installation requirements.
Wiring
Fully restored and professionally rewired prior to dispatch.
Electrical configuration can be tailored to suit UK / EU / US installations.
Suspension can be supplied via chain, cable or rigid conduit depending on project requirements.
Installation
Suitable for interior decorative installation.
As with all antique and reclaimed lighting, no IP or water ingress certification is supplied. Final environmental suitability remains at client discretion.
Condition
Unrestored as shown.
Original cast iron bodies and glass enclosures intact.
Surface wear and patination consistent with age and historic industrial use.
Availability & Pricing
14 Available.
Price per unit unless otherwise specified.
Pricing on application.
Our Unrestored Collection allows designers, architects and private clients early access to rare lighting, enabling restoration and finish to be tailored to specific interior schemes.
Shipping
Free UK Mainland Shipping.
International Buyers:
Worldwide shipping available on request.
All items are professionally packed and generally dispatched via DHL / UPS worldwide.
All shipments are fully insured with Secursus, our independent shipping insurer.
Please contact us for an international shipping quotation.
