1930s French Art Deco Version of the Traditional "Monte Et Baisse" Ceiling Light Fixture

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Is this Deco version of older French “monte et baisse” lights not adorable? Perfect for the kitchen (with certain qualifications, … Read more Is this Deco version of older French “monte et baisse” lights not adorable? Perfect for the kitchen (with certain qualifications, as you’ll read) or a small room in your Deco hideaway!

Frankly, I think it’s museum-worthy! The original “monte et baisse” (raise-lower) lamps came earlier than this one, probably from around 1910, judging by their Victorian looks -- their shades, their hardware. And so popular, so technologically revolutionary! Just think, a ceiling fixture that you could raise and lower according to the situation!

Here we have a “modern response” to the “old ways” – an Art Deco-inspired design (not to mention the material of aluminum, which was radical and forward-thinking). New wine in old bottles, that’s progress.

I think the design of this lamp is spectacular. Elegant, spare -- utilitarian but with a blast of chic.

I’ve changed out the French socket for an American candelabra socket, which allows a maximum of 60 watts. The wiring is original and it was difficult to re-attach it to the American socket. And, the wiring’s almost a hundred years old, which should tell you something (specifically, I’m talking about atrophy/brittleness of the wiring insulation). Whereas the lamp does function (and I consider it “safe” at the moment), it needs to be treated carefully, and frankly I would only install it where it could be operated by a wall switch, and not raised up or lowered as intended. The canopy interior pictures are intended to show you that it has no standard modern mounting hardware. The French typically just screwed a hook into the ceiling and hung it where you see the chain link resting. You can do the same, no problem. So, to reiterate, I would carefully install it, hang it at the length you deem best for your circumstances, and leave it alone!

Measurements: As photographed, the minimum hanging length would be about 19 inches; pull it down for a total of about 38 inches. It’s 10 inches across where the aluminum band is, 8 otherwise (the diameter of the milk glass ball). See less