The Operay Multibeam was first invented in the late 1930's as the first shadowless surgical light. It was quite sought after in operation amphitheaters that I have seen many ledgers where this lamp was the department highest equipment purchase for the year. This lamp had a short life span since its powerful arc would react to gasses in the operating room and cause explosions. Its successor was encased in a heavy cast iron housing and not as attractive. 

The mechanism consists of a bulb on the inside that reflects off six tiny concave mirrors that act as the focus to direct the beam through the  lenses bouncing off the mirror plates and creating a singular focus. Typically this lamp had a large counter balance and is anchored to a high ceiling. This piece is just the main housing as it was found in a retired surgeons home in Wisconsin. He had kept the light as a memento from the Mendota Sanitarium that had seen the likes of patients such as Ed Gien among others.

The lamp has been adapted with a period aluminum drop structure that makes the lamps total drop of 56". This piece can be hardwired above a table as ambient light. Such a great piece of functional sculpture.