Monumental Antique Steel Hanging Pub Lantern — Converted Gas, W. Sitch Archive
IG221955
A genuinely exceptional and large-scale antique hanging lantern of the type historically specified for the exterior of London public houses, civic buildings and commercial premises. Constructed in heavy gauge blackened steel with a distinctive pagoda-form roof, this is a fitting of serious architectural presence and considerable rarity at this scale. Acquired from the archive of W. Sitch & Co., London, and believed to have originally hung on the exterior of a London public house, removed during the 1980s — the glazing at the time of removal retaining remnants of Henkeys advertising, the well-known London wine bar and tavern chain whose premises were a fixture of the capital's Victorian and Edwardian pub landscape.
The Lantern
The body is constructed from heavy blackened steel throughout — fabricated sheet and bar stock of substantial gauge, built to withstand exterior use over decades. The square-section glazed body is framed by four substantial corner posts with a flat base plate, the open frame currently unglazed and offering a clean view of the interior. The pagoda-form roof is the defining feature — a broad double-pitched canopy with pronounced upswept corners, the eaves line stepped with a classical cornice profile and each corner terminated with a solid ball finial. The roof pitch is steep and confident, the form drawing on a long tradition of British street and pub lantern design stretching back to gas lighting in the nineteenth century. The suspension stem is original — a substantial column of cast iron and cast bronze/brass fitted with hexagonal locking nuts and a forged suspension ring, the whole of a mechanical robustness entirely appropriate to the fitting's working history. The lantern suspends from a brass oval-link chain.
Provenance & Use
Pub exterior lanterns of this type were standard specification across London's Victorian and Edwardian pub estate, providing both illumination and signage support at ground and first-floor level. Henkeys — properly Hennekey's — was a London wine bar and tavern group operating from the nineteenth century through to the latter decades of the twentieth, with premises across central London. The presence of their branding on the original glazing confirms this fitting's working history within that estate. The lantern was removed in the 1980s during the wave of pub refurbishments that saw many original exterior fittings lost.
Glazing
This lantern is offered with standard clear glass glazing included in the price. Alternative glazing options — including period-style glass, obscured glass, or other specifications — are available at additional cost. Please enquire.
Ideal For
- Large entrance halls, porches and covered external spaces
- Pub and hospitality interiors seeking authentic period character
- Stairwells and double-height spaces in commercial or residential settings
- Heritage restoration projects
- Country house and estate settings
Technical Specification
Maker
Unattributed — quality British trade fabrication
Provenance
W. Sitch & Co. Archive, London. Believed originally hung on the exterior of a London public house — Henkeys branding present on original glazing at time of removal
Origin
England
Era
Late Victorian / Edwardian, circa 1890–1910. Converted from gas to electricity.
Stock No.
IG221955
Overall Width
667mm (26.25")
Overall Height
1168mm (46")
Glazed Section
470mm wide × 495mm high (18.5" × 19.5")
Weight
To be confirmed
Bulb Holder
Single E27 Edison screw (LED compatible)
Material
Heavy gauge blackened steel body and roof · Cast iron and cast bronze/brass suspension stem · Brass suspension chain
Finish
Original blackened steel with natural surface wear and patination consistent with exterior use
Glazing
Currently unglazed. Standard clear glass glazing included within the listed price. Alternative glazing options available — please enquire.
Condition
Very good antique condition for age and exterior use. Frame structurally sound. Original suspension hardware complete and intact. Some surface oxidation and wear consistent with working history.
Wiring
Professionally rewired and ready for installation. We supply worldwide and wire to local standards on request:
- UK — B22 or E27, wired to BS 7671
- Europe — E27 configuration
- USA & Canada — E26 using UL-listed components where applicable
- Australia & New Zealand — local standard configuration
Please advise destination country at point of order.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping available — please enquire for a quote. Due to the scale and weight of this fitting, specialist packing and freight will be required. All shipments are fully insured through Secursus.
