Brass chandelier by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, 1950s

Vintage early edition 2097/30 chandelier, designed by Gino Sarfatti. This lamp is a rare brassed (gold coloured) edition, although the brass has faded much due to its age and it shows some patina in the manner of flash rust. Brassed early editions are rare to find. Early editions (1958-1970) can be recognised by the larger outside placed screws that tighten the fittings in the rings. Newer editions have very small screws placed completely inside the rings. Designed in 1958, the 2097 suspension lamp by Gino Sarfatti is an iconic piece of design. It was manufactured by Arteluce and Flos. The metal structure is composed of several rays of different lengths, arranged around a large central cylinder. At the end of the spokes, black Bakelite sockets support a myriad of ground glass bulbs. Sarfatti made a bold aesthetic choice for the time: unlike traditional chandeliers, he decided to leave the electrical cables and bakelite sockets visible. The elegant metal structure is then crossed by cables that create an aesthetic tangle in the space. Designer: Gino Sarfatti. Manufacturer: Arteluce / Flos. Country: Italy. Model: 2097/30 chandelier pendant lamp. Material: Brass. Design period: 1958. Date of manufacturing: circa 1950-70. Size: diameter 90 cm X height 71 cm (just lamp height, without cable; with cable 100 cm). Condition: Good. The brassed gold coloured metal shows much fading and patina in the manner of flash rust.