French metalworker Edgar Brandt refused to settle into a single way of doing things and he constantly experimented with different techniques, mediums and styles. From his earliest dive into Art Nouveau to his transition to Art Deco, Brandt brought his craft to bear on pieces ranging from architectural elements, such as doors, to furnishings like console tables and wall sconces — each object rich with thoughtful detail.
When he was 13, Brandt was enrolled by his parents in the prestigious École Nationale Professionnelle de Vierzon boarding and trade school. The school placed him in the ironworking program, where he learned traditional forging methods. He served two years in the military after graduating and subsequently opened a small shop to practice his craft.
In his cozy atelier in Paris, Brandt designed small metal objects like crosses, rings and pendants. He methodically created each piece and slowly worked his way up to larger projects. Inspired by the Art Nouveau furnishings of Louis Majorelle, fashioned from wood and wrought iron, Brandt added furniture design to his skillset.
In 1914, the French military called on Brandt to serve in World War I. During this time, he designed weapons and shell casings that were widely copied and used in both world wars.
After peace temporarily took shape in Europe, Brandt worked tirelessly to design and produce a wide variety of metal pieces. Every year, he showed his work at the Salon d’Automne. In 1919, he expanded his enterprise by building a new workshop, where he employed 100-plus workers. International demand for his work prompted Brandt to expand further and open a factory in the Parisian suburb of Chatillon-sous-Bagneux. There, he had more than 3,000 employees.
In 1936, the French government nationalized his company, and they began to produce armaments under Brandt's name. The onset of World War II led Brandt and his family to flee to Switzerland, where they stayed until the fighting was over. When he finally returned to France, Brandt didn’t reopen his studio. He chose, instead, to work on small-scale projects until his death in 1960.
Brandt received many high-profile commissions and participated in several important collaborations. He co-created some of France's most notable monuments, including the French Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe — completed in 1921. He received the title Knight of the Legion of Honor and the Medal of Honor for Applied Art from the French Society of Artists.
On 1stDibs, find antique Edgar Brandt lighting, tables and decorative objects.
Edgar Brandt Art Deco Inkwell
By Edgar Brandt
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Deco inkwell, circa 1920. Portor marble base surrounded by a wrought iron frieze decorated with leaves. Stamped E. Brandt. In perfect condition. Height: 7.5 cm Width: 13.5 cm Le...
Marble, Wrought Iron
Art Deco Vide-Poche signed Melo (Armand Lemo)
By Armand Lemo 1
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Deco vide-poche circa 1930. Green onyx base surmounted by a silvered bronze sculpture of a girl with a balloon. In very good condition, with a few minor chips to the onyx. Total...
Onyx, Bronze
Art Deco Paperweight by Paul Kiss
By Paul Kiss
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Deco paperweight circa 1925. Wrought iron squirrel stamped P. Kiss. In perfect condition. Height: 16.5 cm Width: 8 cm Length: 12.5 cm Weight: 1.8 kg Paul Kiss, born on March 5, 1886 in Kézdiszentkereszt (hu) (then in Hungary, now Poian in Romania) in the Carpathian Mountains and died in 1962 in Linières-Bouton, France, was an artistic ironworker. He exhibited at major French art events of the 1920s. Paul Kiss helped elevate metalworking to an art form in the 1920s and 1930s, creating magnificent furniture, table lamps, and wall mirrors with exquisite ornamental details, inspired by Art Deco. The pieces often featured geometric patterns, plant motifs, and human and animal figures. Kiss was born in Hungary in 1885 but moved to Paris in 1907. There, he worked under Raymond Subes and Edgar Brandt, two of the most famous metalworkers of the time. After the First World War, Kiss opened his own studio and showroom on Rue Léon-Delhomme. Kiss designed and produced numerous pieces of iron furniture throughout the 1920s and 1930s. He was commissioned to restore historic monuments and create new public monuments. His clients included the kings of Siam and Egypt. Kiss created the metalwork for the war memorial in Levallois-Perret, France, for which he received the silver medal at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1924. In 1925, he exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs and the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts. In the 1920s, Kiss mentored the young designer Paul Fehér...
Wrought Iron
Aperitif Service By Kaiser Germany
By Kaiser
Located in NANTES, FR
Silver-plated aperitif service, circa 1900. Art Nouveau period, Empire style with palmette decoration. Comprising a silver-plated tray marked Kaiser with an imperial eagle. And four ...
Silver Plate
Art Deco Night Light Signed Boyreau Bordeaux
Located in NANTES, FR
Art deco night light circa 1930. Wrought iron base, black patina. Molded glass plate with fish decoration. Electrified and in perfect condition. Molded signature “Boyreau Bordeaux” ...
Wrought Iron
René Lalique Art Deco Dish Gazelles Model
By René Lalique
Located in NANTES, FR
Plate Signed René Lalique . Gazelles model created on 21.11.1925. Model referenced in the catalog Raisonné by Felix Marcilhac page 295 No. 390. In perfect condition. Diameter: 29.5 ...
Glass
Art Deco Ashtray Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large Art Deco ashtray by unknown designer. Produced in Sweden.
Pewter
Machine-Era/ Art Deco Revolving Covered Ashtray
Located in North Miami, FL
This rare chrome plated Deco era cigar ashtray has a revolving top feature and its ALL original.
Nickel
Art Deco silver-plated Ric & Mac small ashtray, Edouard Marcel Sandoz, Gallia Ch
Located in Firenze, IT
Art Deco Silver-Plated Ric & Mac Small Ashtray Edouard Marcel Sandoz (1881–1971) - Gallia Christofle, France, 1930s silver-plated metal 5 cm H x 9.5 × 4.5 cm Marked on the bottom...
Silver Plate
Sculptural Bronze Ashtray by Oscar Bach
By Oscar Bruno Bach
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Sculptural Art Deco bronze ashtray with bird motif by Oscar Bach. Signed.
Bronze
Art Deco Frankart Ash Tray
Located in Water Mill, NY
Art Deco Frankart ash tray or plant holder. Signed. Very good. Unrestored condition.
Metal
Art Deco Ashtray in Bronze By Cawa, 1930s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Steamline stylized ashtray in cast bronze. Suitable for both cigars, pipe and cigarettes. Manufactured by CAWA in Denmark during the 1930s. The style of this piece is reminiscent Tin...
Bronze
