I am the world’s largest fan of vintage lighting, so, in my daily ebay searches, I try to watch for the rarities that continue be unearthed daily from the big time big name brands from back in the day — including Moe, Lightolier, Progress and Virden, in particularly. My tenacity was rewarded the other day, when a set of rare Brutalist fixtures from Moe — 1973 — and NEW OLD STOCK — popped up. These are the most beautiful vintage lights EVER! Thanks for seller frivtime for giving us permission to catalog and show these beauties here on the blog. There is one chandelier, one wall sconce, and one pendant light. And the seller knows what he has.. the starting price is not cheap. See all the designs –>
blingy
Note via the photo above: The chandelier has nine — yes, 9 — candle bulbs. Six on the perimeter, and three inside.
The matching wall sconce.
Above: The profile of the wall sconce. Nice.
Coordinating pendant.
Confirmation that these were sold in 1973. Looks to be model # M 4178.
What is Brutalist style?
What is “Brutalist” style? Read this story.
1969 Moe Lighting Catalog
I have a copy of a 1969 Moe lighting catalog — 20 pages featured here. I do not see this lighting family yet.
Moreover, I actually own the M-2149 chandelier in this catalog, along with four — yes, 4 — of the M-4149 sconces. I got a super duper good deal on these pieces — which I purchased in two different auctions. Umm, now I just need a house to put them in.
On this catalog, Moe make reference to the Bauhaus influence… then seems to refer to the Mediterranean style (see:”Old and New Worlds”). Heck if I know. Here’s the Moe text:
Unrestricted flexibility, simple lines and incorporation of mand-made materials enable today’s contemporary stylings to be fashionably functional. It’s interesting to note that what we term “modern” today actually originated in the 1920’s in Germany. There, the Bauhaus School staffed by leading designers, architects, and painters had as its credo, “form must follow function.”
…
M-2149 — A unique blending of the Old and the New Worlds. Hand-hammered antique bronze forms a framework that is geometrically contemporary in its execution. This eclectic styling is an ideal mix-and-match chandelier.
Regarding the M-2140/4149 set that I own, I see how they in fact have a Mediterranean antecedent. Make ’em wrought iron and you could put Arthur and his Knights of the Roundtable for dinner.
But going back up to the rarities in the main spotlight today — I’m going to assume they were called the 2178 / 4178 model — I don’t see Mediterranean so much as Brutalist. What would an architectural design historian say? Disco???? Any real scholars out there to help on this one??? 🙂
I wish there were more of the 4178 wall sconces and pendants, too, for sale — that way they would make for a matchy matchy set. Still, wow. Any readers out there feeling the need… and with the cash?
Jes says
I know this may be a long shot… anyone remember the price of the chandelier? I just came across one similar to it but 6 lights inside, not candlestick style. Love it, debating on whether to keep or sell?? Would appreciate anyone’s thoughts on value. 6 lights, 6 panels… in excellent conditiin.
pam kueber says
I do not remember. Mid century modern lighting — and creative and well designed post modern lighting, too — continues to go up up up in price. That said, it’s always about finding (or being, depending on which side of the buy-sell you are) the right buyer in the right place at the right time.
In general – check completed auctions for this maker on ebay to see what the sales prices for completed deals are ….
Vince says
I use to be an interior designer back in the 70’s and remember this line
Adam Coleman says
Moe lighting is fabulous. That particular swag lamp fit great in a hollywood regency style decor. I have a few original Moe catalogs that I use for researching them. A lot of the fixtures are not marked so you have to study up to find them.