Is it a gas fixture?

No, it is not gas. Its been rewired by the wrong person. I would guess it is French, possibly Italian need more close up picture for more help than that.

You are correct, not a gas fixture. I will attach photos I have with me. I left the fixture at work so it would not be damaged at home! I can get more/ better photos Tuesday.

Probably ormolu....under the gold spray paint.
I see the wires now......
The "candles" are easily replaced....but going to be a B***h to rewire.

I wouldnt rewire it. not worth it. you might want to put a continuity tester on it to make sure its electrically sound.

Those lamp sockets give an unfinished appearance to this piece, but I am wondering if had globes. The pedestals below the lamp sockets seem designed to support globes. Globes would give a finished appearance.

Those are called bobeches and no they are not for globe they are to mimic where wax would fall on the candlelit chandelier. What you need are called candle covers. The real butchering of this fixture is it looks like someone put standard sockets on here.........its just plain all wrong, but you can get candle covers that will slip a standard socket. then use medium based flame tip bulbs.

I would also take care to test the continuity of the electrical.