Chandelier. Colorless lead glass, metal; blown, facet-cut, assembled. Chandelier composed of 34 separate glass parts with metal mounts, twelve arms, twelve drip pans, and a ten piece stem with metal mounts. Fittings for the arms appear to be lead or pewter with small brass pins to secure them in the arm holder. There are very slight differences in the size and shapes of the arms. The candle tubes and drip-pans have been drilled for later electric wiring, but no wiring is present. The shaft is iron, and the arm plate brass. Barely visible are small iron/steel pins located in holes drilled through the shaft to secure the vertical elements.

In the 18th century, the English chandelier became an important decorative component within the elegant interiors in the homes of the nobility. This style of chandelier grew out of a 17th-century desire for spectacular lighted centerpieces that were originally constructed from rock crystal. Glass was more accessible and affordable than rock crystal, and it could be just as stunning when it was properly cut and illuminated. A significant enhancement to the basic form of this chandelier was the use of finely executed decorative cutting on all of its elements. The cutting amplified the reflective qualities of the glass and made the entire assemblage a beautiful and glittering addition to an interior space.