Antique 24" Leaded Stained Glass Chandelier w/ 1908 Benjamin 3-Light Cluster - ID Help

Hello everyone,

I recently acquired this large, heavy leaded stained glass hanging chandelier and would highly appreciate any insights the community might have regarding its maker, origin, or exact era.

Here are the specific details:
* Size: The shade is massive, measuring 24 inches in diameter and approximately 15 inches in height.
* Glass: It features a geometric moss-green and cream slag glass dome with a pink/white/amber floral border along the rim.
* Hardware/Sockets: It is anchored by a gorgeous 3-light brass cluster socket. The brass housing is clearly stamped with the Benjamin Electric Mfg. Co. maker's mark and features patent dates: March 3, 1903, and March 24, 1908 (660W 250V). Each socket has its original white scalloped porcelain/ceramic rings. The matching ceiling canopy is also stamped "BENJAMIN".

The glass and leading lines are entirely solid with no notable cracks, and the original wiring is fully tested and working.

I know Benjamin clusters were heavily used by high-end makers like Handel, Duffner & Kimberly, and others during the Arts & Crafts movement. Does anyone recognize the specific pattern or layout of this glass shade? Is the shade contemporary to the 1908 hardware, or could it be a later Marriage/Revival piece?

Thank you so much in advance for your time and expertise!

 

I think pre-WWII but not as old as the patent date. Sockets could have been available for decades after the patent. I always kind of equate hanging lights with that crown of glass at the top as 40s or later. Suppose it could have been done a bit earlier than that and the glass type is consistent with this. No idea who made this but don't see it being by one of the higher end makers.

 

From the glass and the design, I'd think old style hardware with a 60s or 70s shade. The wiring is definitely 1950s - white, and no safety prongs.

 

Looks like a revival piece from the 1960s/1970s to my eye. But... whaddaIknow?

Debora

 

the lead on the strained glass in competent , but I'm not seeing an copper foil under it....
It's a lovely shade !

 

The "Tiffany style" of stained glass—invented by Louis Comfort Tiffany—uses copper foil wrapped around the edges of glass pieces, which are then soldered together rather than joined with traditional lead came strips. This technique allows for complex curves, three-dimensional shapes, and highly detailed pieces

 

@evelyb30 Thank you for pointing that out! However, the wires coming directly out of the antique Benjamin socket housing are actually dark brown. Those original wires then connect to that long white cord with the modern wall plug via twist-on wire connectors (wire nuts) hidden inside.

This completely confirms it was originally an authentic hardwired ceiling chandelier that someone later converted into a plug-in swag lamp - likely around the same time they married it to this 60s-70s revival shade. Thank you!

 

@verybrad — Yes, that’s a great point, those sockets were definitely available and used for decades after the patent was initially issued. However, what's really interesting is that on eBay, just one of these standalone Benjamin 3-way cluster sockets can go for $300-$400 on its own. I actually noticed the stamped maker's mark completely by accident! An appraiser originally valued the entire lamp at around $300 without even looking underneath. It’ll be fascinating to see how it all shakes out in the end.

 

However, the wires coming directly out of the antique Benjamin socket housing are actually dark brown. Those original wires then connect to that long white cord with the modern wall plug via twist-on wire connectors (wire nuts) hidden inside.

 

Yes, that’s a really great point about the copper foil! I actually ended up reading a bit more into it after you mentioned it — it’s fascinating historical stuff, and I honestly didn't know that before, so thank you! But even so, it is still a beautifully massive 24" shade. It was such a pleasant, completely accidental find with that original cluster underneath being worth more than the lamp itself!

 

My first reaction was that this is a 60s-70s shade, but I think on closer examination, a bit older. The glass used in this is heavily textured on the inside. This is typical of older pieces. By the 60s. they were using glass that was less textured. The heavily textured glass may have still been available but was quite a bit more expensive. Here is an example of a later shade. Note, also, that they put the textured side out here. I do think you can find it used both ways.

 

Good observations, Brad! I know nowt about this, but I would've reckoned a somewhat earlier piece that 1960s because of the curved glass panes in the body of the lamp shade. Later lamps tended to be flat pieces soldered together and I recall that you could make one from a kit. But just my musings.

 

Thank you so much, @verybrad and @kentworld, for these incredible observations!

Wow, I didn't even realize the significance of the curved glass panes versus flat pieces, or the details about the interior texturing. That makes perfect sense regarding the production costs and craftsmanship era.

Your expert insights are extremely valuable and give me a whole new appreciation for this piece. I’m definitely going to dive deeper into studying these specific characteristics. Thanks again for taking the time to share your knowledge!