Pair of Art deco Streamline Wall Sconces by Dreyfuss for 20th Century Ltd. Train

Item #1461

This is a remarkable design and pair of lights that are very close to my heart. I don't usually buy much in the way of American (industrial) lights, but these have a great pedigree. They were designed by famous industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss (who helped to shape the style and aesthetics of American culture). I have a pair in my kitchen now for 13 years and I was fortunate to be able to purchase a quantity of these (I think we have 5 pairs). These great sconces designed by Dreyfuss for the 20th Century Ltd. train cars, they were attached to the walls next to the seats and projected the light downwards for reading. Great for next to a bed or on either side of a mirror or great with a pair over a sink.

The knobs in the center of the stems unscrew and the entire top lifts off to change the bulb. They have been newly polished aluminum, solid brass stem/screws and enameled glass.

Measurements
height: 9 in.
depth: 3 in.
width/length: 5 in.

Henry Dreyfuss and The 20th Century Limited
In 1938, industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss was commissioned by the New York Central to design streamlined train sets in Art Deco style, with the locomotive and passenger cars rendered in blues and grays (the colors of the New York Central). The streamlined sets were inaugurated on June 15, 1938. His design was probably the most famous American passenger train of all time. The 20th Century Limited was built for style and stardom (the train conveyed the New York lifestyle) and it tailored perfectly to young executives and “new money.” So popular was the train that the Central often had to run two trains, one in each direction. After the Second World War, a whole new train-set was commissioned which was pulled by diesel-electric locomotives. The new set was ceremonially inaugurated by General Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1948. It was this set that was featured in postwar films such as North by Northwest and The Band Wagon.

Similarly Dreyfuss kept the theme of New York City and urban settings throughout the train and used tones of light and gunmetal gray for the interior and exterior (which was especially stunning inside the train matched against the urban theme). For instance, the diners served double duty. During the day they were used for general fine dining, serving exceptional meals that rivaled the most exquisite restaurants of the day. However, after the final evening meal was served the white tablecloth linens would be replaced with rust-red linens and the car would become a nightclub known as “Café Century”

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