F. & C. Osler Extra Large Satin Cut Crystal Plafonnier with Ram's Head Cast Brass Gallery
IG221833
An exceptional large-scale plafonnier by F. & C. Osler, combining a deeply cut satin crystal bowl with an elaborately detailed cast brass gallery featuring prominent ram's head mounts. Acquired from the archive of W. Sitch & Co., London. A fitting of considerable decorative ambition and outstanding quality throughout.
The Glass
The bowl is executed in hand-cut satin crystal of exceptional depth and quality, the exterior worked with a bold overlapping petal relief — each lobe generously proportioned, deeply defined and cleanly resolved, running in close formation around the full circumference of the bowl. The scale of the cutting is larger and more emphatic than typically encountered, giving the bowl a strong sculptural presence both lit and unlit. When illuminated the satin finish diffuses light into a warm even glow while the relief forms read in full shadow detail from below — the petal lobes glowing individually at their centres, the depth of the cutting producing a pronounced three-dimensional effect across the entire surface of the glass.
The Frame
The cast brass gallery is of exceptional quality and decorative character. The ring face carries a continuous cast swag and drape relief — fabric folds rendered in fine detail running between suspension points, tied at each junction with a small cast tassel drop. At three equidistant positions around the ring sit prominent cast ram's head mounts, each crisply modelled with curling horns, wool texture and strong facial detail — a decorative motif with deep roots in neoclassical design, applied here with a confidence and quality of casting that sets this fitting apart. The chains are elongated rectangular link with round connector links at intervals, rising to the original cast brass four-way hanger of substantial form with integral suspension loop. The brass throughout carries a deep naturally aged patina with areas of verdigris.
Provenance
This piece forms part of a significant acquisition of approximately 200 pieces drawn directly from the W. Sitch & Co. archive, London. Founded in 1776 and trading from Soho for over two centuries, W. Sitch & Co. were suppliers of antique and period lighting to country house, heritage and film and television clients across Britain. Further pieces from the same acquisition will be listed as they are prepared.
Ideal For
- Grand entrance halls and stairwells
- Principal reception rooms and drawing rooms
- Country house and period townhouse interiors
- Boutique hotels and private dining rooms
- Heritage hospitality and luxury residential projects
Technical Specification
Maker
F. & C. Osler, Birmingham
Provenance
W. Sitch & Co. Archive, London
Origin
England
Era
Late Victorian / Edwardian, circa 1890–1910
Stock No.
To be confirmed
Glass Bowl Diameter
375mm (14.8")
Overall Diameter
430mm (16.9")
Minimum Drop
600mm (23.6")
Weight
Approx. 6kg
Bulb Holder
Single E27 Edison screw (LED compatible)
Material
Hand-cut satin crystal bowl · Cast brass gallery with ram's head mounts and swag relief · Elongated link suspension chains · Cast brass four-way hanger
Finish
Naturally aged brass with warm patina and areas of verdigris · Satin crystal bowl in excellent order
Condition
Excellent antique condition. Bowl free from chips or cracks. All gallery and suspension components original and intact. Ram's head mounts retain strong casting definition.
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
