A Lustrous Legacy: Brass in the 18th and 19th Century Decorative Arts of England

109 products

109 products
Sheraton Mahogany Drum Table with tooled leather top, crossbanded mahogany, boxwood stringing, and pedestal base with brass castors.
Sheraton Mahogany Drum Table with tooled leather top, crossbanded mahogany border, and pedestal base with outswept legs.
Sheraton Mahogany Drum Table
Collection PK10
George I Oak Low Boy with thumb molded top, five drawers, gothic brass handles, ogee apron, and ball claw feet.
George I Oak Low Boy with thumb molded top, gothic brass handles, ogee apron, and ball claw feet with shell motif.
George I Oak Low Boy
Collection CK40
Collection EE20 of 13 engraved Indian metal hookah bases in various sizes from 19th and 20th centuries
Collection EE20 of 13 engraved Indian metal hookah bases from the 19th and 20th centuries on a wooden table
Collection of 13 Indian Metal Hookah Bases
Collection EE20
Louis XVI Style Acajou Moucheté Demi Lune Console Desserte with marble top and brass details, circa 1870, France.
Louis XVI Style Acajou Moucheté Demi Lune Console Desserte with pierced brass rails and fluted legs close-up detail.
Louis XVI Style Acajou Moucheté Demi Lune Console Desserte
Collection CK30
George I Gilt Gesso Girandole wall mirror with shell motifs, scrolling vines, and brass swivel candle arms, circa 1720.
George I Gilt Gesso Girandole showing gilt frame detail with brass swivel candle arm and original mirror plate.
George I Gilt Gesso Girandole
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Pair of Brass Column Lamps with ornate bases, one with a black pleated lampshade, vintage elegant design.
Pair of Brass Column Lamps with ornate bases and exposed wiring detail viewed from the bottom side angle.
Pair of Brass Column Lamps
Collection CK40
Pair of Bronze and Ormolu Candlesticks
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Regency flame mahogany shelf set with brass wire panels and castors by Collection CK20 in classic English style.
Close-up of carved sunken paw foot in polished flame mahogany on shelves by Collection CK20 Regency style
Regency flame mahogany set of shelves
Collection CK20
Early 18th Century Figured Walnut Bureau Cabinet with brass handles and escutcheons, English Georgian antique wood furniture.
Early 18th Century Figured Walnut Bureau Cabinet with brass handles and book matched walnut veneer on bracket feet.
Early 18th Century Figured Walnut Bureau Cabinet
Collection CK30
Maison Jansen Black Lacquer and Brass Low Table with bamboo frame and Chinese scene lacquer top, circa 1960.
Maison Jansen Black Lacquer and Brass Low Table with cast brass frame and traditional Chinese scene lacquer top
Maison Jansen Black Lacquer and Brass Low Table
Collection EE40
William IV walnut library chair with original upholstery and brass castors from Collection EE30, circa 1830s England.
William IV walnut library chair with natural upholstery and brass castors by Collection EE30, circa 1830 England
William IV Walnut Library Chair
Collection EE30
Pair Of Willy Rizzo Chrome and Brass End Tables with two black shelves, Italy circa 1975, modern vintage design.
Pair Of Willy Rizzo Chrome and Brass End Tables signed detail on the sleek chrome frame circa 1975 Italy.
Pair Of Willy Rizzo Chrome and Brass End Tables
Collection TH20
Anglo Indian Ebonised Writing Table with two drawers, fluted legs, lion mask handles, and brass paw feet from 1860.
Anglo Indian Ebonised Writing Table with lion mask handles on fluted legs and brass paw feet in a room corner.
Anglo Indian Ebonised Writing Table
Collection EE40
Guilmet Industrial Steam Hammer Clock circa 1870 with black lacquer and brass, sold by Nicholas Wells Antiques
Close-up of Guilmet Industrial Steam Hammer Clock dial with Roman numerals from Nicholas Wells Antiques
Guilmet Industrial Steam Hammer Clock Circa 1870
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Collection EE20 of nine 19th century Indian teak rice measures with brass bindings and ribbed turned bodies
Close-up of 19th century brass bound teak rice measure from Collection EE20 with intricate ribbed design and detailed mounts
Collection of 9 brass bound rice measures
Collection EE20
Red Tole Charles X Bullseye Wall Clock with gilt vine detail and enamel dial by Collection TH20
A Red Tole Charles X Bullseye Wall Clock
Collection TH20
Mid Century Metamorphic Brass Coffee Table with circular smoked glass tops and burnished brass frame on casters.
Mid Century Metamorphic Brass Coffee Table with burnished brass frame, smoked glass tops, and rolling second tier extension.
Mid Century Metamorphic Brass Coffee Table
Collection TH20
A Three Tiered Brass Art Deco Etagere with glass shelves and decorative ring column supports circa 1930.
A Three Tiered Brass Art Deco Etagere with glass shelves and decorative ring supports, circa 1930, French design.
A Three Tiered Brass Art Deco Etagere
Collection TH30
Pair of White Painted Side Tables with twin drawers, brass handles, and lower shelf, vintage French design circa 1900.
Pair of White Painted Side Tables with twin drawers, brass handles, blue detailing, tapered legs, and lower tier shelves.
Pair of White Painted Side Tables
Collection CK30
Mid-Century Brass Bar Cart with Two-Tone Veneered Trays
Nicholas Wells Antiques
18th century bronze prow of South Indian ‘Luang’ river ship, antique maritime artifact by Collection EE20
18th Century Bronze Prow Of A South Indian ‘Luang’ River Ship
Collection EE20
Maison Jansen Rectangular drinks Trolley
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Mid-century Maison Jansen bar cart drinks trolley with gold frame and glass shelves sold by Nicholas Wells Antiques
Mid Century Maison Jansen bar cart drinks trolley with gold frame and glass shelves by Nicholas Wells Antiques
A Mid Century Maison Jansen Bar Cart Drinks Trolley
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Mid Century Onyx, Verde Antico, Brass Coffee Table with rare Italian onyx top and brass legs, circa 1935.
Mid Century Onyx, Verde Antico, Brass Coffee Table
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Victorian Leather Folio Stand
Collection TH10
Large Bohemian Engraved Red Glass Table Lamp with brass triangular base and ruby faceted clear glass column.
Large Bohemian Engraved Red Glass Table Lamp with ornate cast brass base featuring vine and grape details.
Large Bohemian Engraved Red Glass Table Lamp
Collection EE20
Deccanese Bidriware hookah base from Collection TH20 featuring early 18th-century Indian craftsmanship and minimalist design.
Deccanese Bidriware hookah base with minimalist design and dark patina from early 18th century, Collection TH20.
Deccanese Bidriware Hookah Base
Collection TH20
George I Oak Lowboy with three drawers, original brass hardware, pierced apron, and cabriole legs with pad feet.
George I Oak Lowboy showing thumb molding top, brass hardware drawers, and cabriole legs with pad feet.
George I Oak Lowboy
Collection CK30
Pair of Mirror Chandelier Wall Lights
Collection EE10
Pair of Foliate Column Lamps with cream hand-carved columns, dark green bases, and polished brass ball feet.
Pair of Foliate Column Lamps with cream lacquered columns, dark green bases, and brass ball feet on wooden table.
Pair of Foliate Column Lamps
Collection EE10
Mid Century Marquetry and Polished Brass Bar Cart Drinks Trolley
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Mid-century Italian marquetry drinks trolley with brass accents and wheels by Nicholas Wells Antiques
Close-up of polished brass detailing and wheel mechanism on Nicholas Wells Antiques mid century Italian marquetry drinks trolley
MID CENTURY ITALIAN MARQUETRY DRINKS TROLLEY
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Mid 20th Century Brass Mounted Drinks Cart
Nicholas Wells Antiques
French Mid Century Polished Brass Circular Bar Cart Drinks Trolley
Nicholas Wells Antiques
MID CENTURY ITALIAN MARQUETRY DRINKS TROLLEY with marquetry trays, brass galleries, and large central wheels circa 1960.
MID CENTURY ITALIAN MARQUETRY DRINKS TROLLEY with brass legs, inlaid marquetry trays, drop leaves, and large wheels circa 1960.
MID CENTURY ITALIAN MARQUETRY DRINKS TROLLEY
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Vintage Column Table Lamps – Gunmetal & Brass – Maison Charles elegant pair with stepped circular plinths circa 1970
Vintage Column Table Lamps – Gunmetal & Brass – Maison Charles, elegant 1970s design on stepped circular plinths.
Vintage Column Table Lamps – Gunmetal & Brass – Maison Charles
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Pair of 19th century weighted hairy paw brass door porters from Collection TH10 with ornate Victorian design
Pair of 19th century weighted brass door porters by Collection TH10 with intricate Victorian design and functional detail
Pair of 19th century weighted hairy paw brass door porters
Collection TH10
A Very Fine 19th Century Indian Large Brass Chest
Collection EE20
Pair of Neo-Classical Bronze Urn Lamps with leaf decoration and lacquered brass handles, circa 1970, England, 29 inches tall.
Pair of Neo-Classical Bronze Urn Lamps with lacquered brass handles and reeded body, England circa 1970, tall beige shade
Pair of Neo-Classical Bronze Urn Lamps
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Coffee Table Handcrafted From Solid Burr Walnut With Live Edge showing natural grain tabletop and four oak legs with brass castors.
Coffee Table Handcrafted From Solid Burr Walnut With Live Edge featuring rough-cut walnut top and elegant oak legs with brass castors.
Coffee Table Handcrafted From Solid Burr Walnut With Live Edge
Collection NE10

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, brass was a key material in English decorative arts. Valued for its golden glow, durability, and versatility, this copper–zinc alloy was used in everything from elegant furniture fittings to ornate household objects.

Georgian Era Brass: Elegance and Classical Influence

In the Georgian period (18th century), taste was defined by ornamental elegance and classical simplicity. Brass featured prominently in:

  • Candlesticks and clocks
  • Furniture fittings
  • Fireplace accessories

Its warm lustre and ability to be cast into fine motifs made it a favourite for designers inspired by classical architecture and design.

The Industrial Revolution and Birmingham’s Brass Industry

The Industrial Revolution transformed brass production in late 18th-century England. Birmingham became the centre of the trade, producing vast quantities of brass items.

A leading figure was Matthew Boulton, who pioneered ormolu (gilded brass), giving middle-class households the look of gold without the cost.

Victorian Brass: Variety and Innovation in the 19th Century

The Victorian era embraced a mix of historical styles and new movements. Brass remained a staple of decorative arts, particularly in the:

  • Aesthetic Movement
  • Arts and Crafts Movement

Objects ranged from picture frames, bedsteads, and door handles to intricate furniture trims, showing both utility and artistry.

Brass Mass Production and Handcrafted Traditions

By the late 19th century, technology enabled the mass production of brass items, making them affordable and widely available. Yet handcrafted artistry remained valued. Many Victorian brass objects combined machine-made elements with hand-finishing, reflecting both modern innovation and traditional craftsmanship.

Legacy of Brass in English Decorative Arts

Brass in the 18th and 19th centuries illustrates England’s evolving styles, technologies, and social values. From Georgian refinement to Victorian eclecticism, brass objects captured the spirit of their age.

Today, antique brass pieces continue to enchant collectors and interior designers with their historic charm, golden glow, and timeless appeal.

 FAQs About Antique Brass in Decorative Arts

 

1. How can you identify antique brass?

Antique brass typically has a warm golden tone that develops a natural patina over time. Signs of hand-finishing, irregularities in casting, and wear on frequently touched areas (such as handles or candlesticks) can help distinguish authentic pieces.

2. Why was brass so popular in Georgian and Victorian homes?

Brass combined affordability, durability, and beauty. It could be polished to a gold-like shine yet was more practical and versatile, making it ideal for both decorative and functional items.

3. What types of antique brass objects are most collectible today?

Highly sought-after examples include Georgian candlesticks, Victorian picture frames, ormolu-mounted furniture, fireplace accessories, and brass clocks. Unusual motifs or pieces linked to notable makers (such as Matthew Boulton) attract particular interest.

4. How did the Industrial Revolution change brass production?

The Industrial Revolution allowed brass to be mass-produced in Birmingham and beyond, reducing costs and increasing availability. This shift made brass objects accessible across social classes while still leaving space for luxury, handcrafted designs.

5. Why does antique brass often have a darker colour than modern brass?

Over time, brass develops a patina—a natural darkening caused by oxidation and handling. Collectors often value this aged appearance as it reflects authenticity and history, though some pieces may be polished to restore their original glow.

6. Is brass the same as bronze?

No, brass and bronze are different alloys. Brass is made from copper and zinc, while bronze is typically made from copper and tin. Brass has a warmer golden tone and is more malleable, making it ideal for decorative arts. Bronze, by contrast, has a darker brownish hue and greater hardness, often used in sculpture and weaponry.
Recently viewed