Pair of Extra Large Benjamin Electric 'Glassteel Diffuser' Industrial Pendants with Original Opaline Glass Diffusers
IG221815
Priced for the Pair
A matching pair of extra large scale industrial pendant lights by Benjamin Electric, retaining their original opaline glass diffusers — a rare survival at this scale. Documented in the original Benjamin Electric catalogue as the Glassteel Diffuser range, these fittings were designed for high-output industrial and commercial environments where both maximum light output and controlled diffusion were required. Two matching examples available.
The Shade
The shade is pressed steel finished in original grey enamel — a deep battleship grey with a high gloss surface to the exterior and a white enamel interior that reflects and amplifies the light downward. The profile is the classic Benjamin form — a broad shallow dome with a pronounced vented neck section, the neck incorporating small ventilation apertures around its circumference to allow heat to dissipate from the lamp, a practical engineering feature standard to the Glassteel range. The enamel carries the honest wear of working life — a single area of surface loss visible on the dome face — but retains its gloss and integrity across the remainder of the shade. At 508mm diameter these are genuinely large — among the most architecturally imposing of the standard Benjamin production sizes.
The Diffuser
The original opaline glass diffuser is present and intact — the defining feature that elevates these fittings above the standard open-bottom industrial pendant. The diffuser sits within the lower opening of the shade, enclosing the lamp entirely and producing a soft diffused glow across the full interior of the shade rather than a harsh direct point source. The effect is visible in the lit shots — a warm even wash of light within the shade, the exterior of the dome reading as a deep gloss silhouette while the lower face glows with a contained, controlled light. Original glass diffusers of this type are frequently missing from surviving examples of this range, making their presence here a significant detail.
Catalogue Documentation
This exact fitting is documented in the original Benjamin Electric catalogue as the Glassteel Diffuser — listed in 18" and 20" diameters for lamp outputs from 100W to 500W, available in both SAAFLUX and X-TYPE variants. The 20" diameter listed here corresponds to catalogue reference 4034/4035 in the 300–500W GES configuration. The catalogue illustration matches the fitting precisely.
Provenance & Availability
Two matching examples available. Both retain original opaline glass diffusers and original grey enamel finish. Available individually or as a pair.
Ideal For
- Industrial and warehouse conversion interiors
- Commercial kitchens and working environments
- Bars, restaurants and large-scale hospitality settings
- Retail and creative studio spaces
- Large residential kitchen and dining spaces requiring serious scale
Technical Specification
Maker
Benjamin Electric
Model
Glassteel Diffuser — documented in original Benjamin Electric catalogue
Origin
England
Era
Mid twentieth century, circa 1940s–1960s
Stock No.
IG221815
Shade Diameter
508mm (20.0")
Overall Height
550mm (21.7")
Weight
Approx. 5kg each
Bulb Holder
GES (E40) or E27 — please enquire
Material
Pressed steel shade · Grey enamel exterior · White enamel interior · Original opaline glass diffuser · Vented pressed steel neck
Finish
Original grey enamel with natural wear consistent with industrial use. White enamel interior in good order. Glass diffusers intact.
Condition
Good original working condition. One area of enamel loss to dome face on each shade. Original glass diffusers present and undamaged. Vented neck sections complete and intact.
Wiring
Professionally rewired and ready for installation. We supply worldwide and wire to local standards on request:
- UK — E27 or GES, 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.
