A gilt-bronze and patinated metal chandelier from the Baltic Exchange circa 1903

with four scallopshells above a rope-twist stem suspending a four-blade anchor with chains supporting a scalloped and inverted bell shaped reservoir with four stylised sea horses flanked by seaweed motifs with an octopus finial

The Exchange Hall, Baltic Exchange, London.

H. Barty-King, Baltic Exchange, 1744-1994: Baltic Coffee House to Baltic Exchange, London, 1994, illustrated  various examples on the cover and pp. 55, 78-79, 84, 90. 

This chandelier is in excellent condition. It is ready to be placed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This impressive nautical themed chandelier of imposing scale and innovative design together with the following lot, was part of the decorative scheme of the main hall of the Baltic Exchange, the London based company formed in 1744 as an informal group of merchants who met in a coffee house–The Virginia and Baltick-to discuss trading by sea vessels. The group developed into a company with over 500 members being today the world's only independent source of maritime market information.

After many years in the South Sea House in Threadneedle Street, the company commissioned a new building to be erected at St Mary Axe from the architects T.H.Smith and W.Wimble. It opened its doors in 1903 with the massive coloured marble trading hall–the Floor–becoming the centre of world's shipping, lit by this impressive group of chandeliers. They were probably especially commissioned for the Floor and are imbued by the Art Nouveau aesthetics of the period, with its organic and fluid design of seaweed and stylised sea creatures.

The building was badly damaged by a bomb in 1992 and had to be pulled down, but many of the architectural elements and important fixtures were salvaged.