ASEA Triplex Pendulum Clamp Lamp by Johan Petter Johansson — Sweden, 1920s/30s, with Midgard R2 Shade
A rare and historically significant Triplex Pendulum clamp lamp, developed by legendary Swedish inventor Johan Petter Johansson for ASEA in the 1920s/30s. The lamp impresses with its patented, heavy ball-joint and pendulum system, enormous reach, and raw, authentic industrial aesthetic.
Highlights: Designer: Johan Petter Johansson (frame) / Curt Fischer (shade) Manufacturer: ASEA / Triplex Period: 1920s/30s Origin: Sweden Style: Industrial Design / Bauhaus Era / Machine Age Special features: patented pendulum-telescope system, original switch, Midgard R2 aluminium shade fitted as a historically sympathetic addition Ideal for: loft interiors / workspace / kitchen / collectors of historic industrial engineering
Description: This extraordinary articulated lamp was constructed in the 1920s/30s by the brilliant Swedish inventor Johan Petter Johansson and produced by ASEA under the Triplex brand. Particularly characteristic is the heavy patented ball-joint system, which allows the lamp to be positioned with extreme flexibility in space. The robust, bolted connectors are testament to the highest mechanical precision of early modernist industrial design.
A special detail of this authentically aged example: the aluminium reflector is not from the original Triplex production, but is an original part of the legendary Bauhaus lamp Midgard R2 by Curt Fischer — a historically perfectly matched addition. This vintage marriage of two milestones of industrial design gives the lamp a unique and eminently collectible character. It combines raw workshop atmosphere with a clear mechanical signature.
In the room it reads as highly sculptural and expressive. It comes into its own as a bold statement piece above a large work or dining table in a modern loft.
Condition:
Very honest, authentic industrial vintage condition. The lamp displays a beautiful, strong patina, light surface rust, paint wear, and typical signs of use that attest to its decades of history in a working environment. The Midgard R2 aluminium shade shows age-related scratches. The electrics have been renewed and the lamp has been tested to DIN VDE 0701-0702 standard; a VDE test report is available. Suitable for connection to a 230V mains supply in accordance with current VDE regulations.
Details:
Designer: Johan Petter Johansson (frame) / Curt Fischer (shade)
Manufacturer: ASEA / Triplex (frame) / Midgard (shade)
Model: Triplex-Pendulum (Type AX) with Midgard R2 reflector
Origin: Sweden / Germany
Period: 1920s/30s (frame) / 1950s/60s (shade)
Style: Industrial design, Bauhaus era, Machine Age
Material: Steel (partly chromed, lacquered), cast iron, aluminium
Colour: Industrial grey / silver / chrome
Dimensions: Max extended length 164 cm, shade diameter 18 cm
Socket: E27
Condition: Authentic industrial vintage condition with strong patina, paint wear and surface rust; Midgard R2 shade retrofitted; electrics renewed, VDE-tested
Note:
Please note: This item is a vintage lamp. It was manufactured many years ago and may not conform to current technical standards. Before use, the electrical components should be inspected and, if necessary, updated by a qualified electrician. Bulbs are only included if explicitly stated. This item is sold as a collectible/antique and not as a standards-compliant electrical appliance.
WEE Nr.
70030832
Product Safety
"Electrical safety tested in accordance with DIN VDE 0701-0702; VDE test report available. Lamp partially rewired by a qualified electrician, suitable for connection to the 230V mains in accordance with applicable VDE regulations."
Manufacturer
ASEA (Allmänna Svenska Elektriska Aktiebolaget, or General Swedish Electric Company) was one of Sweden's most significant industrial corporations and a global pioneer in electrical engineering. The roots of the company date back to 1883, when businessman Ludvig Fredholm and the brilliant inventor Jonas Wenström (inventor of the three-phase alternating current system) founded Elektriska Aktiebolaget in Stockholm. In 1890 the company merged to become ASEA and began its rise to a global heavyweight. ASEA played a decisive role in shaping the machine age in Scandinavia: the company not only electrified large parts of Sweden, but also built high-voltage lines, electric locomotives, industrial robots and the world's first artificial industrial diamonds. In the 1920s and 1930s, ASEA produced among other things the famous "Triplex" work lamps, which impressed with their mechanical precision. In 1988, ASEA merged with its Swiss competitor Brown, Boveri & Cie (BBC) to form the technology corporation ABB (Asea Brown Boveri), which still exists and operates worldwide today.