Vintage 1930s Baetz Bros Parchment Lampshade Saracen's Head St Albans England

This is a wonderful antique hexagonal lampshade made by Baetz Bros. of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, dating to the 1930s.

The shade is constructed in a six-sided form with warm amber-brown parchment-style panels and bound edges. Three alternating panels are decorated with a transfer-applied image of Saracen's Head in St Albans, England, depicting a picturesque old street lined with historic buildings and a solitary figure walking along the road. The name "SARACEN'S HEAD ST. ALBANS" appears beneath each scene.

The pictorial decoration has a wonderfully atmospheric quality, rendered in muted shades of brown, green, rust and black against the warm amber background. The three illustrated panels alternate with three undecorated panels, giving the shade a balanced and attractive appearance from every angle.

The interior retains its original metal spider fitter, which is clearly marked "MADE BY BAETZ BROS." and also stamped with the US patent number. of 169522, filed in 1928 for a “Lamp-shade-frame holder”.

The Baetz Brothers Specialty Co. Ltd. was established circa 1916 in Berlin, Ontario, now known as Kitchener. The Baetz family was already involved in furniture manufacturing, with brothers Jacob H. Baetz and Charles J. Baetz having established their furniture company in 1908. The specialty company was formed specifically for the manufacture of floor and table lamps, making this surviving shade an interesting example of early Canadian lighting manufacture.

The shade measures approximately 7 1/2 inches in diameter across the top and 12 1/2 inches in diameter across the bottom.

It is in very good condition, retaining a wonderfully warm patina. There is toning around the images, a function of the aging of the transfer applied images. I see no major structural damage - the photographs should be examined carefully as they form an important part of the description.

A particularly attractive and unusual early Canadian lampshade, combining the craftsmanship of Baetz Bros. with a charming historic English street scene.  Great to complete a period lamp…..

Measurements:

Top diameter: 7 1/2 inches
Bottom diameter: 12 1/2 inches