twelve matching hard to find original antique american industrial crouse-hinds "explosion proof" chicago factory pendant lights designed and fabricated by the crouse-hinds company, syracuse, ny. the 12 condulets retain the original impact-resistant glass globe shades with threaded ends. the heavy cast aluminum socket casings have been refinished and sealed with a clear coat finish. the adjustable canopies or ceiling escutcheons or roses are original to the fixtures. the crouse-hinds electric company (later shortened to crouse-hinds company) was established in 1897 in syracuse, new york. founder huntington beard crouse (fayetteville, new york), inherited a large sum of money from his uncle, huntington beard, who owned several small companies in the area. mr. crouse partnered with jesse lorenzo hinds, who served as factory superintendent (and former mechanic) of the electric engineering and supply company of syracuse. crouse had the capital and hinds had the electrical know how as well as business and management experience to start their own company. they drew up papers and formed a partnership called crouse-hinds electric company, and went on to become one of the major employers in syracuse. the company was a manufacturer of high grade electrical specialties. their first product offering was a changeable headlight for trolley cars. the company experienced rapid growth throughout the early 20th century. in 1911, a new plant was constructed in syracuse, ny. by 1918, the company had shortened their name to crouse-hinds company and produced traffic lights, controllers and accessories. the company manufactured the first traffic signal in syracuse which was installed in 1924 at the corner of james and state streets. crouse-hinds produced traffic signals locally for many years, including the famous tipperary hill upside down light on the city's far westside. priced individually.