PULLEY LIGHT COLLECTION 2012

2009-11-15T05:31:00.000-08:00

Join us for the bi-annual Round Top Antiques Fair

Located at Blue Hills March 24th-April 8th, 2012

Pulley Lights
aka Rise and Fall Lights

Welcome.

Lighting and the history of lighting has long been of interest to me. I have always been attracted to the precision machining of lighting hardware, bulbs and sockets. Where at one time these lighting components were important to the overall design of the fixture they slowly over time were hidden and replaced by inexpensive and much less attractive plastic counterparts.

Interior industrial design accents are making their way into many home environments today. Accent pieces that create curiosity of origin that once were hidden behind a clock face or machine casing are being re-purposed into all sorts of sculptural and utilitarian designs. Pulleys and gears are such items that create interesting features and design elements. I mix these components with other interesting reclaimed items to create a fully functioning counter balance lighting system.

My career started in 1989 with the creation of Architects & Heroes in Austin, Texas.

Several years ago I decided to move to a quieter setting and relocated to Historic Bastrop in Bastrop County located just east of Austin. Bastrop is a gem of a historic town that I always have admired and enjoyed visiting. In April of 2009 shortly before the closing of Architects & Heroes in Austin, I opened Loblolly General Goods on Main Street in Bastrop to showcase my lighting and antiques.

"Archimedes is given credit for developing the first complex pulley around 250 BC, but the pulley had been invented years before in the area between Europe and Asia. No one knows who the inventor of the first pulley was."

Pulley lights have been around for a long time. Early pulley system lighting allowed lanterns to be lowered to refill the oil reservoir. Bradley and Hubbard had some elegant design applications. Another admired lighting designer and inventor was James Hinks and Sons Company. In early oil and electrical lighting, the illumination was so poor that lowering the light was necessary to see the task at hand. Imagine being the first house on the block with electric lights. Having all those exposed wires and light bulbs was very fashionable at the time.

This unique style of solid brass handmade lighting fixtures continues with some design elements that were molded and cast from 19th century utilitarian components. Parts from 19th Century Elevator Doors, Gas Lamps, Steamer Ship Compass Brackets, French Clock Armalou, and Grandfather Clock Weights all make up the uniqueness of each pulley light fixture.

How do they work? Each fixture has a canister or egg that is weighted with either heavy scrap metal or molded pot metal. This weight works as a clutch when combined with the weight at the bottom of the fixture. Each fixture is hand assembled after components are individually weighed. Collectively this process allows the fixture to stop at any desired point.

An original French Pulley circa 1900

American pulley pendant circa 1897

Note: Search Ebay if you are looking for original antique pulley lights. They appear from time to time generally from England or France. I currently do not have stock on any original antique pulley lights but will list them here if I ever have some for sale.

Within these pages are my most recent Pulley Lights with dimensions and prices.

A couple notes to remember.

* Pricing includes our white milk glass shade, we offer amber cased glass shades as well ( amber on outside white on interior). For the small amber shades add $20 per shade, large amber shades $40.

* All the lighting can be extended to accommodate any ceiling height. This is done by adding a longer brass pipe between the ceiling plate and the top pulley system. If you have 8' ceilings email or call me and we can discuss what options are available. The most we can shorten most fixtures is 5" from the height dimension listed.

* In production the fixtures are constructed for 9' ceilings.

* Anything higher than 9' will have to be rewired and an extension pipe will be added below the ceiling plate and top pulley system. Extending fixtures costs $30 per socket. If your ceiling is higher than 12' there is an additional charge of $95 per 3' of brass extension pipe. Recently we installed one of our larger fixtures on a 23' ceiling.

* Nickel Plating is an option on some fixtures. If you so desire Nickel or Brushed Nickel please inquire. Because 95% of my business is in aged brass you can expect up to 6 months wait for a fixture in polished or satin nickel. Email me to get lead time.

* If you have vaulted ceilings the fixture will have to swag from a chain off from the electrical box. Or ideally the electrical box will have to be built out to be horizontal.

* Shipping is via UPS/USPS ground/fully insured. The average cost of shipping is approximately 10% of the value of the fixture to most places in the USA for the 2-3 socket light fixtures. We do often ship internationally and will provide a shipping rate upon request.

* Refer to this sizing guideline of standard light hanging

http://www.ehow.com/how_4661810_hang-light-fixture-correct-height.html

And lastly, if you arrived at this website via Loblolly General Goods in Bastrop Texas, the merchants and myself of Historic Downtown Bastrop would like to thank you for your patronage.

Enjoy,

Marc

Pendant Lights

Simple single pendant lighting. The design of these pendants are great for those smaller spaces and because of the single wire hanging construction this light can be extended to fit any ceiling height from 8' or higher. Many of my customers opt to use 2 or 3 of these lights over their kitchen islands instead of a larger heavier looking fixture.

Item #600
$195.00 Aged Brass and Black Iron
$225.00 Nickel Plate and Satin Nickel

H/33" Pulls down to 53"x W/8"

AGED BRASS

IN STOCK

Office

If you are needing a larger single light pendant then the Office fixture will fit the bill with a 12" shade. The counter balance system allows for an up and down movement of 12".

Item 603AB

H/35" Pulls down to 47"x W-12"

$395.00

Amber or White Shades

AGED BRASS
IN STOCK

NICKEL PLATE

IN STOCK

Edison

This single pendant is sleeker in design with a larger canister and a 14" dome shade. This fixture has an up and down movement of 25" and a drop down wire handle. Shade available in Milk Glass only.

Item # 650

$525.00

H/39" Pulls down to 64"x W/14"

IN STOCK

Two Light Pulleys

Lattice

Fashioned after an Otis hotel elevator door hinge from Chicago. Fully functional solid brass accordion hinges allows you to expand the fixture to exactly where you need the light. The counterbalance weight has a unique braided design embossed into the brass canister.

Item #646
$795.00
H/37” Pulls down to 61"x W-17” widens to 45"

IN STOCK

Compass

Designed from a component off a 19th Century Steamer Ship Compass Bracket. This light extends up and down approximately 12" to give you a total extended height of 44". Neatly detailed thumbscrews allow the light to expand an additional width of almost 8” to a total width of 42”. Brown cloth wire accents the oil rubbed aged brass finish only.

Item #641

$550

H/32" Pulls down to 44" x W-34"

IN STOCK

Nouveau

A fragment from an 1880's curtain tieback shows classic Art Nouveau styling, these lights adjust up and down approximately 16" and make a stunning accent light.

Item #601

$425.00

H/33" Pulls down to 49" x W-22"

IN STOCK

Craftsman

One of my most popular lights. The “Craftsman Two light” is perfect for many interior applications. The handle was recreated from armalou once attached to an art deco mantle clock. Hang it over the kitchen island or dining room table. This light is designed with an up and down movement of approx. 15” and the shades can be locked to either point up or down. With an antique brass finish, the light looks great with the antique brass counter weight, brown cloth covered wire, and 8” milk glass shades.

Item 602
$495.00
H/32" Pulls down to 47" x W-34"
If shades are in the up position (not shown) Height is 24" Pulls down to 39"

OUT OF STOCK TILL APRIL 2012

Nickel Plate

IN STOCK

Bistro

Beautiful castings from a 19th century french gas fixture and a hand rubbed finish complete this stylish lamp. Shipped with 8” diameter milk glass shades, brown rayon covered wire, and ceramic pulley wheels. Shade locks allow the shade to slightly lock in the outward position. Or they can point straight down as well. Aged Brass only.

Item 615
$575.0
H/31" Pulls down to 47"x W-26"

OUT OF STOCK UNTIL APRIL 2012

Jabborwocky

Two lights featuring independently adjustable components and grandfather clock inspired counterweights. This light has an up and down movement of 11".

Item# 662AB
H /53" Pulls down to 64"x W - 48"
Ships with 10" amber glass shades.
Price $695

IN STOCK

Three Light Pulleys

Craftsman #3

This fixture has a movement of 16" shades can be locked either up or down. Made of solid brass, this light comes in your choice of three finishes and is shipped with 8" milk glass shades.

Items #605

Price $675

H/32" Pulls down to 46" x W-30"
If shades are in the up position ( not shown) Height is 24" pulls down to 31"

OUT OF STOCK TILL APRIL 2012

Antique Brass

Craftsman 3 Line

Outer shades lock in the up or down position. Antique brass only. White or Amber shades.

Item 602-3

Price $695

Dimensions H/33" Pulls down to 42" x W/ 51"

Outer shades can be locked in the up position

OUT OF STOCK UNTIL APRIL 2012

Compass #3

This triple weighted three light not only has an up and down movement of 21" but each arm can expand out approximately 4 inches. Made of solid brass with a hand rubbed aged brass finish.

Item #648
Price $695.00
H/32" Pulls down to 53"x W/29" / widens to 36"

IN STOCK

Nouveau #3

The three-light Nouveau design made of solid brass, this light has an up and down movement of 16" and brings elegance to any room.

Item 606
Price $550.00
H/33" Pulls down to 49" x W/22"

OUT OF STOCK UNTIL APRIL 2012

Bistro #3

The Three-Light Bistro is a most elegant light fixture. This light is available only in hand rubbed aged brass finish, is adjustable up to 14" and ships with 8" milk glass shades.

Item #616
Price $795
H/33" Pulls down to 47"x W/24"

IN STOCK

Bilardo

The Bilardo is an inline three light long enough for a billiards table, longer bars or dining room tables. It is a solid brass fixture that has an up and down movement of 15". Features include three 10" case glass amber shades and eight distinctive brass wheels.

Item 670AB

Price $1195

41" H pulls down to 56" x 55"W

Pivot Arm Wall Sconce

This Pivot-Arm Sconce is an original in practicality and design. For reading, pull the shade down. For more ambiance, push the shade up. With the counterbalance system, the light stays wherever you place it. The light has been designed so the arm pivots 180 degrees. Made of solid brass with ceramic pulley wheels and rayon cloth covered wire.

ITEM 607 AB

PRICE $295

Back plate: W-4" x H-6.5", arm: extends 22"
Lamp pulls down 24"

IN STOCK

Draftsman Floor Lamp

Stylish solid brass floor lamp that allows the shade to be pulled down up to 3 foot. Excellent reading lamp. Foot switch. Horizontal pipes can be adjusted along the center pole to extend the lamp forward or back.

ITEM #791AB

PRICE $795

H-72" x W-32"
Ships with 12" milk glass shades.

IN STOCK

with amber shade

Draftsman Table Lamp

The table lamp has the same adjusting factors as the floor lamp above.

Item #790AB

Price $495

Shade: 8" Milk glass; 8.5" bottom dia. x 4.5" h

Base: 28" w
Total height: 25.5"

IN STOCK

with amber shade

Loblolly Desk Lamp

A beautiful accent lamp that has a adjustable shade on a counterweight. Solid brass.

Item #792

Price $ 425

Shade: 8" milk glass; 8.5" bottom dia. x 4.5" h
Base: 15.25" w
Total height: 22.75" h

IN STOCK

with amber shade

Ordering process.

Email or call me with the following information

1. Item number

2. Shade color milk glass or cased amber ( add $20 per shade for amber)

3. Overall ceiling height ( fixtures are made for 9' ceiling, add $30 per socket for extending)
If your ceiling is over 12' high, add an additional $90 per 3' of ceiling height.

4. Height of item that fixture is hanging over..ie..counter, island or table.

5. Shipping address and contact information including phone number.

6. Orders are shipped UPS ground fully insured. Once we are ready to ship I will call you for
payment information. You will not be charged until we ship. Upon shipping you will be
emailed a paid invoice with UPS tracking information.

7. I want you to be fully satisfied with your purchase. In the event you are not happy with
your order please contact me. Your purchase is fully refundable less shipping charges.

Over Labor Day Weekend 2011 our community experienced the worst wildfire disaster in the states history. Recovery will be slow to this environmental fragile area known as The Lost Pines. There is still much to see and do in the historic community. Our historic area was not affected..we are open for business and welcome you to explore the beauty and history that makes Bastrop a wonderful place to visit. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastrop,_TX

We are a small business of designers, antique dealers, and restoration specialist. Thank you for supporting small businesses in the USA.

We appreciate you taking the time to look over the inventory. I am available to answer any questions you may have or projects you have in mind with your lighting. Feel free to contact me using the information at the top right side of the blog.

Thanks again,

Marc

The drop light hanger shown to the left was invented by Milton I. Vought of LA Crosse Wisconsin and was applied for patent on Jul 1, 1897 and approved on October 25, 1898 (patent no. 613,098).

Depending on the users needs, this extension lamp could be used at any height.
The distance between the balls, as well as the distance from the top ball to the lamp could be adjusted depending on how much wire was used.

The user could also easily adjust their own perfect starting or resting position and then how far they would like to be able to extend the lamp.

The top ball was hollow with only a pulley made out of red Vulcanized Fiber. The bottom ball also had a pulley as well as an iron weight inside which made it possible to raise and lower the device.

This was a nice ornate fixture and was picked up by some of the more exclusive lamp catalogs. While it is unknown if Vulcanized Fiber was still being used for the pulleys, this fixture style was still being sold in the R. Williamson catalog of 1909.

In the 1909 catalog pictures of the fixture, it is shown with the same two styles here (canopy and rosette) but using newer sockets and with shades of that time period.