(A) We're fond of the Moderne around here, but this baby takes the Love Cake (whatever that means)! That Saturn-y whirling world above the ring of glass just rocks! And the descending staircase of chrome rings? What's not to give you the gimmies? It's about 28 long as shown and about 20 across, a festival of chrome and glass! Here we are talking Positive Energy, 1930's "the sky's the limit!" (e-mail Jack to start the conversation)

(B) I'll bet you haven't seen one like this lately!! LIKE, EVER! The frame's cast aluminum, of course; and the shades, with their geometric floral accents, have that certain "Consolidated" look about them, n'est-ce pas? It hangs 25 inches long, as shown, and has a diameter of about 16. (e-mail Jack to start the conversation)

(B1) And while I'm snattering along about the Consolidated Glass Company, wouldn't you know this would show up?!! Undoubtedly inspired by a trip to France (perhaps the 1925 Exposition?), the designer of this American Beauty got it all right -- the luscious floral clusters on the shades and the metal, the sweeping, sleek lines of the body... a "tour de force" in any language! It hangs about 24 inches long as shown (chain can be added), and has a diameter of about 16 1/2. (e-mail Jack to start the conversation)

(C) A dazzling jewel, this near-mint American Lightolier. Its luscious gold patina and fan-shaped amber shades make this an all-time favorite. As shown, it hangs about 28 inches long and is 17 across. (e-mail Jack to start the conversation)

(C1) This picture of the flush-mount version of the above Lightolier gives you a better idea of the intricacy of design on the metal and shades of this exemplary American Art Deco fixture, not to mention its luscious and rich gold patina. And yes, it's available, in mint-mint condition as is its Mommy, above, not to mention matching sconces!!! It hangs down 15 inches and has the same diameter, 17. (e-mail Jack to start the conversation)

(D) An exemplary "brown-tipped beauty" if ever there was. This is the first of these sumptuous fixtures I've had in many a year. The metal, solid cast bronze, is blessed with its original two-tone finish, and in impeccible condition, as are the five shades. This is arguably the most sought-after and coveted of the American Art Deco chandeliers, and one sees why quickly -- the handsome, two-toned glass shades with their clear edges (for that just-right tiny sparkle from the bulb), the opulent design of the metalwork, the top-quality materials. This one has its original chain and two-piece canopy, as well as that incomparable, asymmetrical finial! (e-mail Jack to start the conversation)

(E) And here she is, the Grand Pooh-bette, flush-mount Sister Ship to the Grand Pooh-bah, which now resides on Russian Hill. Solid two-tone bronze, with seven lights, 18 1/2 long, 18 1/2 diameter, and, as the song goes, "every inch is packed with dynamite!"

My buddy namesake JACK bought this for his Pooh-bah collection in Minneapolis! SOLD!! I know you're disappointed, but don't be, because I know where I can get another, just for Y-O-U!! But, you have to e-mail me to start the conversation). And, just to really up the ante, how about another one of these:

Oh, come on, Jack, are you growing these on TREES out there in California?!!

(F) Over the years this Markel chandelier has been my best-selling American light fixture, by far! And here's why: I've taken it and totally disassembled it and plated it in bright, shiny nickle (it's cast iron underneath). Originally these fixtures have a woeful look, a bland two-tone silver and gold painted finish. Now they're gleaming jewels!!! The stepped canopy and bottom elements lend themselves nicely to the nickle finish, and the frosted white shades give a good, even light without color. In this instance, the shades have their original coloration, a subtle two-tone painted patina in excellent condition, an extreme rarity! You can crank up the wattage to five hundred watts, if you want, perfect for jig-saw puzzles or mincing garlic. As shown, this one hangs at about 34 inches, and it's about 18 across. With its minimalist but slightly ornamented elements, it's got enduring good looks! (e-mail Jack to start the conversation)

(G) Another American Moderne home run, with speed lines running every whichway. There's a wonderful interplay between the gold and silver tones, and a heftiness which gives it great presence, all the while the emphasis on the beauty of the glass itself. As shown it hangs about 28 inches and is about 19 across. (e-mail Jack to start the conversation)

(H) Just back from the plater's, now finished in highly polished nickel (all solid brass underneath, so no potential for rusting), gleaming. Just the light to spruce up your kitchen! Lots of soft, diffused light (use up to a 250-watt bulb) --and that mock-crystal bottom, huh!? It hangs 28 inches as you see it, and it's about 9 across. You won't find this in one of the cheapo-repro catalogues! (e-mail Jack to start the conversation)

(I) Eight of these economic, graceful, Moderne all-aluminum puppies have I. Woof, woof. They're in excellent condition and can provide mountains of light, each being capable of housing a 300-watt bulb! It hangs 32 long and is 20 wide. (e-mail Jack to start the conversation)

(J) Here's a classic American Moderne lighting bowl from the 30's. The glass, which has a soft creamy glow when lit, is about 17 inches across and the fixture as shown hangs about 31 inches long. I've used modern brass parts which are in the spirit of the design of the bowl and had them chrome plated, which is to say that the fixture can be made shorter or longer. I have two other bowls of similar dimensions and decoration. (e-mail Jack to start the conversation)

(K) Here are a couple of classic American Moderne fixtures, with their design hints of having some association with outer space. The five-light has its original 4-way switch on the bottom, which enables you to have all five lights on, just three, just two, or none! How's that for handy? The five-light's about 19 across and hangs 30 as shown... the 3-light is about 16 across and hangs at 25. Needless to say chain can be added or subtracted on either light. (e-mail Jack to start the conversation)