Monumental F. & C. Osler Satin Cut Crystal Plafonnier with Baroque Cast Bronze Crown Gallery
IG221832
A fitting of extraordinary scale and presence. This monumental plafonnier by F. & C. Osler ranks among the most impressive examples of Victorian architectural lighting to come to market — combining a large-scale hand-cut satin crystal bowl with a spectacular cast bronze crown gallery of Baroque character, documented in an original Osler catalogue illustration. Acquired from the archive of W. Sitch & Co., London. At over half a metre in diameter and weighing 14kg, this is a fitting conceived for the grandest of interiors.
The Glass
The bowl is executed in hand-cut satin crystal of the quality and character distinctive of F. & C. Osler's finest architectural production. The exterior is worked with a bold radiating fan-cut and overlapping petal relief, each lobe generously scaled and deeply defined, graduating from the rim toward a central point at the base. At this scale — nearly half a metre across — the impact of the cutting is considerable. When illuminated the satin finish produces a powerful even glow across the full width of the bowl while the relief reads with strong shadow definition from below, the petal forms luminous at their centres. Unlit, the depth and precision of the cutting is immediately apparent. The lit detail shot confirms the quality of the glass — the relief throwing bold shadow forms across the satin surface, the centre point of the bowl burning with concentrated light that spreads outward across the full diameter.
The Frame
The gallery is a tour de force of cast bronze work. A deep crown-form ring of substantial construction carries an open Baroque scrollwork frieze of exceptional complexity and quality — cast acanthus scrolls, foliate arabesques and cartouche panels running continuously around the ring between paired pilaster columns, each column capped with small projecting brackets. At the principal positions around the ring sit figural crest mounts — a female bust emerging from scrolling foliage, hair and features crisply rendered, each one the suspension point for the chains above. The lower edge of the ring is finished with a cast rope-twist moulding. The quality and ambition of the casting throughout is exceptional — this is not a standard production gallery but a piece conceived for an important interior. The six-way cast brass hanger above is of equally substantial form, the domed canopy piece decorated with a cast scallop border and rope-twist band, the whole carrying a deep naturally aged patina with areas of verdigris throughout.
Provenance
The gallery and glass combination is documented in an original F. & C. Osler catalogue illustration, confirming the design and confirming both components as period and original to each other. 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
- Principal reception rooms and double-height entrance halls
- Grand stairwells and galleried landings
- Country houses, castles and significant period properties
- Luxury hotels, private dining rooms and heritage hospitality venues
- Major heritage restoration projects
Technical Specification
Maker
F. & C. Osler, Birmingham
Provenance
W. Sitch & Co. Archive, London — design documented in original Osler catalogue
Origin
England
Era
Late Victorian / Edwardian, circa 1890–1910
Stock No.
To be confirmed
Glass Bowl Diameter
476mm (18.7")
Overall Diameter
530mm (20.9")
Minimum Drop
900mm (35.4")
Weight
Approx. 14kg
Bulb Holder
Single E27 Edison screw (LED compatible)
Material
Hand-cut satin crystal bowl · Cast bronze Baroque crown gallery · Cast bronze figural crest mounts · Rope-twist lower moulding · Six-way cast brass hanger
Finish
Naturally aged bronze with deep warm patina and areas of verdigris · Satin crystal bowl in excellent order
Condition
Excellent antique condition. Bowl free from chips or cracks. All gallery components, figural mounts and suspension hardware original and intact. Casting definition throughout remains strong and sharp.
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
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.
