art moderne house outfitted with depession-era "after sunset" machine age fixtures now available

several "after sunset" fixtures were removed from an art modern house undergoing renovations late last week. the american art deco depression era fixtures were designed and fabricated by or for the lightolier corp., jeannette, pennsylvania. the super streamlined machine age electric fixtures are comprised largely of yellow brass with highly polished chrome-plated finishes. the futuristic or "jetsonesque" fixtures contain maroon enameled cast iron "speed rings," flared top shade fitters, segmented ventilated rings, and ball finials. the keyless leviton sockets are nestled within the fitters. the original chromed steel canopies are amazingly intact. the shallow custard bowl drop shades are simple, yet elegant - complimenting the ceiling and wall fixtures nicely.

originally named the new york gas and appliance company, the lightolier company first distributed both gas and electric fixtures, which were mostly sold as component kits. the company quickly distinguished itself by styling and manufacturing its own designs. an early success was the addition of tasseled fringes to fixture shades. the name lightolier, adopted in 1919, combined "light" with "chandelier." and signaled the company´s transformation into a forward-looking business.

from the outset, lightolier was an innovative marketer. its early advertising efforts linked good lighting with good living. "after sunset, lightolier," was a memorable slogan, reflecting the fact that early electric lighting was mostly used at night. a 1925 sales brochure, entitled the charm of a light conditioned home , educated consumers about the value of good lighting, subtly underscoring the benefits of lightolier fixtures. by the 1920's, lightolier was already a well-known brand and recognized for its leadership.

moses blitzer succeeded his father in 1928 and headed the company for the next four decades. his vision for lightolier set out a strategy of innovation, together with a people-oriented culture: "do it first. do it better. make a life while you make a living." it remains the touchstone for the company today.