Blue Diabolo Pendant Lamp, Attributed to BAG Turgi, 1950s

Perforated Lacquered Metal and Brass Ceiling Light, Swiss Mid-Century Modern

A striking Mid-Century Swiss pendant lamp attributed to BAG Turgi, Switzerland, 1950s. The lamp captivates with its generously proportioned double-cone "Diabolo" silhouette in slate-blue lacquered metal, its solid brass collar with adjustable cross-bar, and the perforated rim detailing on both shades — a distinctive combination of Swiss Mid-Century restraint and sculptural lighting design.

Highlights:

Designer/Manufacturer: Attributed to BAG Turgi, Switzerland, 1950s (referenced in Alexander Koch, Neuzeitliche Leuchten der 50er Jahre, p. 71, center)                                                           Style: Swiss Mid-Century Modern / Diabolo Distinctive features: double-cone shade in slate-blue lacquered metal; solid brass collar; slim brass cross-bar allowing the lower shade to be set at an angle; perforated rim on both shades for ambient light diffusion; white-lacquered interior for enhanced reflection; original Bakelite E27 socket Ideal for: dining room, living room, entrance hall, Mid-Century and Swiss design collectors

Description:

This double-cone pendant lamp is attributed to the Swiss manufacturer BAG Turgi, founded in 1909 as Bronzewarenfabrik AG in Turgi and, through the 20th century, one of Europe's largest lighting manufacturers, today an increasingly sought-after name among collectors of Swiss Mid-Century design. The attribution is based on the close stylistic match to a design illustrated in Alexander Koch's Neuzeitliche Leuchten der 50er Jahre, a landmark 1953 survey of international post-war lighting. The piece carries no maker's mark or label, so the attribution should be understood as stylistic rather than documented, though the correspondence to the illustrated model is very close.

Particularly characteristic are the two opposing cones in slate-blue lacquer joined by a solid brass collar, and the slim brass cross-bar threaded through it: together with the fine suspension wires, this allows the lower shade to be set at an angle rather than hanging strictly level, giving the fixture a distinctive, almost sculptural stance when installed. Both the upper counter-cone and the lower shade are ringed with small perforations, letting a soft secondary glow escape upward and along the rim while the main light is directed downward and outward through the open underside.

Condition:

Age-appropriate good vintage condition with visible but attractive patina. The lacquer shows light surface wear typical of the period, along with a small area of paint loss near the rim edge of the lower shade, visible in the detail photos. The original Bakelite E27 socket is present and in good condition. The original electrics should be inspected by a qualified electrician before use.

Details:

Attributed to: BAG Turgi, Switzerland
Origin: Switzerland
Period: 1950s
Style: Swiss Mid-Century Modern / Diabolo
Material: Lacquered metal (shades), brass (collar, cross-bar)
Colour: Slate blue (shades), brass (hardware), 
Dimensions: H 30 cm x Ø 30 cm
Socket: E27, 

Condition:

Age-appropriate good vintage condition; minor paint loss, see photos; original electrics present

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.