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Rare documented 3 piece Henry N. Hooper& Co. Boston girandole garniture dating to circa 1850, featuring the firm's“Romeo and Juliet” figural pattern.
This set can be identified directly from HenryN. Hooper & Co.'s original 1850 trade catalog. The catalog is reproduced inGerald T. Gowitt's reference book 19th Century Elegant Lighting: Argand,Sinumbra, and Solar Lamps (Schiffer Publishing, 2002).
The original Hooper catalog identifies:
No. 665 – Girandole, 1 light, Romeo and Julietpattern
No. 666 – Girandole, 3 light, Romeo and Juliet pattern
This surviving garniture consists of twomatching No. 665 single-light girandoles and the larger three-light centercandelabrum corresponding to No. 666.
Each features the wonderfully detailed castfigure of Romeo and Juliet standing together on a rectangular white marblebase. Above the figures rise elaborate openwork standards with flowers,scrolling foliage and foliate candle cups. The center candelabrum expands thedesign into an impressive three-light arrangement.
The three pieces together make a strikingexample of mid-19th-century American decorative lighting and are particularlydesirable because the complete matching centerpiece and two flanking pieceshave remained together.
Henry Northey Hooper (1799–1865) was animportant Boston metalworker. Henry N. Hooper & Co., established in 1832,produced high-quality decorative metalwork and lighting including Argand andsolar lamps, gasoliers and girandoles.
Measurements:
Center three-light girandole:
19 1/4" high
Weight: 5 lb 11 oz
Pair of single-light girandoles:
Approximately 16 1/2" high each
Marble bases: approximately 3 3/4" x 5 1/2"
Individual weights:
3 lb 8 oz
3 lb 14 oz
Total weight of all three pieces:approximately 13 lb.
Condition: Very good antique condition withattractive surface patina and normal wear consistent with approximately 175years of age. No significant damage or repairs noted.
The original hanging crystal prisms/lusters are missing from all threepieces. The pierced foliate bobeches retain the openings from which the prismsoriginally hung.
On the center three-light piece, the upperassembly threads onto the standard. When screwed completely tight, the uppersection seats slightly off center. It displays in the correct position whenbacked off slightly and remains stable when standing. Please see the detailphotograph. No repair or alteration has been attempted.
The white marble bases show natural veiningand expected signs of age.
Reference photographs are included showingthis exact design in the reproduced 1850 Henry N. Hooper & Co. catalog,including the identification of Nos. 665 and 666 as the Romeo and Julietpattern.
Candles shown in photographs are for displayonly and are not included.
A rare opportunity to acquire a documented,complete three-piece American girandole garniture by one of Boston's important19th-century lighting manufacturers.
Reference
Gerald T. Gowitt, 19th Century ElegantLighting: Argand, Sinumbra, and Solar Lamps, Schiffer Publishing, 2002.
The book reproduces the 1850 Henry N. Hooper& Co. trade catalog from which this pattern is identified.
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