Fine Handel Peacock Feather Lamp with a Geometric Shade

An unusually large and fine lamp by the Handel Company of Meriden, CT. The present lamp has a particularly fine base in the rare peacock feather design rivaling the quality of their competitor, Tiffany and Company.  The shade is of geometric design incorporating 432 leaded glass pieces in a twelve sided design.  An interesting feature of the Handel design is that shade sits on the rim of the heat cap, rather than being secured under the heat cap.  This shade, at 21 ins diameter is large for Handel and is of superior quality with very minor flakes and minimal cracking.  The lamp accommodates four bulbs, each socket with an individual chain on/off mechanism and the lamp has been rewired with the addition of a dimmer.

Handel Company was formed in Meriden, Connecticut in 1885, and operated until 1936 when they closed during the depths of the depression.  In 1910, when this lamp was probably made Handel employed 125 people, had agents throughout the US and maintained an extensive showroom on the corner of West Broadway and Murray in New York City.

This is a very good and superior example of the company’s production.

Meriden, CT, USA c. 1910-20

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