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ESLA Swan Neck Bracket
Genre: Swan neck bracket
The "swan neck" bracket probably gained prominence as the electric arc lamp became popular in the late
19th century. The arc lamp required suspending above the roadway by its canopy, so a sweeping, curved
bracket was utilised to position the lantern relative to the column. With the advent of the inverted mantle,
gas manufacturers followed suit; suspending lanterns by their canopies prevented shadows
and the dark spaces associated with the early post-top Windsor style frame lanterns.
Finally, the first lanterns for tungsten filament bulbs followed the trend and were also top-entry.
The swan neck was easy to manufacture from a iron or steel rolled tube. They were either fully formed to
support the lantern directly, or finished on the horizontal so a decorative finial was required.
Other decorations included the purely aesthetic scrollwork and collars, whilst tulip and leaf husks
not only beautified the spigot cap, but also provided additional protection from rust at the
joint between the bracket and spigot.
The swan neck was a popular choice for a "gas conversion" in the 1940s and 1950s where the original gas
post-top lantern was removed and replaced with a swan neck and high level termination. As columns were
originally made in various heights, swan neck brackets were also made in different sizes so the lantern
height above the road could be standardised.
By the 1950s, the swan neck bracket was still extremely popular, as manufacturers were still producing large
numbers of top-entry lanterns. However, the lines became simpler, and the decoration was eventually scaled
down and finally removed entirely. It was a practical move: scrollwork and spigot joints formed dirt
and moisture traps where corrosion could set in.
As side entry lanterns became popular, the swan neck declined in numbers. Brackets evolved into simple
bracket arms, or became part of the column (as with the popular "hockey stick" column). However, the swan
neck does live on, albeit in smaller numbers, and is still available as a "traditional" option for
decorative and/or heritage style street lighting.
Name: ESLA Swan Neck Bracket
Date: Circa 1920s - 1950s
Dimensions: 5' 2" (height), 1' 2" (width)
Specs: Fleur-de-lis finial, single scrollwork, simple collar, ESLA time switch box with spigot
Lantern: ESLA Bi-Multi Group "AL" Two-Way 165°
History
The history of ESLA columns and brackets isn't well documented although examples of
their range appear in the
only catalogue known.
This bracket and scrollwork were obviously designed to take ESLA Bi-Multi
Group "AL" series as the lantern fits snugly within the swan neck. Interestingly, the bracket has
hardly any overhang, and was probably designed for narrow streets.
The oval ESLA clock box is extremely typical, as is the spigot cap with its
vertical grooves.
Popularity
A rare bracket, this shape was extremely uncommon.
The ESLA Bracket In My Collection
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facing profile
I purchased the bracket from a street lighting depot in Sussex; the bracket had been removed from service
in 2004 and the lighting engineer would keep "interesting" brackets to one side. It was fitted with
a broken REVO Prefect lantern, but this ESLA bracket deserved
an ESLA lantern.
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front profile
Depsite being a tall bracket, it hardly had any overhang. This suggests the bracket was used for narrow
streets where space was at a premium.
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trailing profile
The scrollwork and shape of the bracket was designed to support an ESLA Bi-Multi Group "AL"
lantern.
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top of the bracket
Interestingly the bracket curled down to directly support the lantern; normally swan necks stopped
on the horizontal and a finial was used to connect the lantern. In this case, the Fleur-de-lis
finial is purely decoration.
The lantern was held firm in position by a lock nut threaded onto the bracket.
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finial
The Fleur-de-lis was bolted to the bracket as extra decoration. Additionally it also held the top
of the scrollwork. The gap between the finial and the bracket is an obvious moisture and dirt trap,
but strangely there hadn't been any corrosion during all the years this bracket was installed.
The other end of the scrollwork was held in place by a simple metal collar.
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base of bracket
The base of the bracket was undecorated, simply screwed into the time switch box and was held with a lock
nut.
Other ESLA brackets featured an elaborate cast iron joint which was both decorative and
helped prevent water collection and corrosion, but this bracket was far more simple.
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time switch box
The oval design was classic ESLA although only some had ESLA's
name cast across the front. (Note how the hinges need touching up as I painted the cover of the door
whilst it was open).
Unfortunately the cover bolt was missing, so I'll have to source another.
All that remained inside was the remains of a modern cut-off. I haven't retrofitted another other
components, and have simply left the inside bare.
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spigot cap
The spigot cap was, again, classic ESLA with its characteristic vertical grooves.
The old bolts were removed and replaced with Whitworth 3/8" threaded bolts.
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