I found this 1920's pair yesterday! I am not sure if the 5 light fixture was intended to be flush mount originally or if it just missing the canopy and chain...
20's lighting find
- Corsetière
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Re: 20's lighting find
That's a great score ! Knowing you, you probably paid $ 5.00 for both !
I think the 5 light fixture was suspended from a chain or chains, with a ceiling cap (is there a proper name for that part ?). Keep your eyes peeled for a box of antique lighting "junk" that you can harvest the parts from.
I think the 5 light fixture was suspended from a chain or chains, with a ceiling cap (is there a proper name for that part ?). Keep your eyes peeled for a box of antique lighting "junk" that you can harvest the parts from.
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Re: 20's lighting find
Original cast polychrome fixtures of the late '20s era are getting harder to find in good condition. Congratulations on these.
The five bulb fixture likely had a decorative piece of hollow pipe in the center connecting it to a canopy or a decorative cast vertical support. I've also seen them that had decorative cast supports attached to the tops of the areas where the bulb sockets are that ran upward and inward to a center canopy. Then there's also plain chandelier chain, which was usually replacement for cast pieces that were broken.
There are at least three types of materials these were usually made from: cast iron, cast aluminum, or pot metal. There were also high end versions done in cast bronze. Of them all, the pot metal fixtures usually fare the worst. The others are pretty durable.
The five bulb fixture likely had a decorative piece of hollow pipe in the center connecting it to a canopy or a decorative cast vertical support. I've also seen them that had decorative cast supports attached to the tops of the areas where the bulb sockets are that ran upward and inward to a center canopy. Then there's also plain chandelier chain, which was usually replacement for cast pieces that were broken.
There are at least three types of materials these were usually made from: cast iron, cast aluminum, or pot metal. There were also high end versions done in cast bronze. Of them all, the pot metal fixtures usually fare the worst. The others are pretty durable.
Re: 20's lighting find
This thread has been helpful, thanks. I acquired this a while back for my living room
and was unsure how to install it. There is a center switch, presumably to vary your illumination. I had thought it might be mounted directly to the ceiling, but for most houses of that era (and most people of normal height), a stepladder would be required to do that. On the back, through the snarl of wires, you can see the two screw-holes where the bracket would attach.
Do I have much hope of finding a suitable bracket, or is the best solution going to be a length of chain?
and was unsure how to install it. There is a center switch, presumably to vary your illumination. I had thought it might be mounted directly to the ceiling, but for most houses of that era (and most people of normal height), a stepladder would be required to do that. On the back, through the snarl of wires, you can see the two screw-holes where the bracket would attach.
Do I have much hope of finding a suitable bracket, or is the best solution going to be a length of chain?
Re: 20's lighting find
Here are some similar fixtures from Ebay, that show a variety of suspension/mounts:
- Corsetière
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Re: 20's lighting find
Yes! I started restoring a pair of huge ones I had purchased and then got hit with the lead abatement nonsense, so I had to set it aside for a bit. I finished restoring one but then decided I was unsatisfied by the color of gold I chose, so i will end up repainting it, I think!
- Corsetière
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Re: 20's lighting find
Willa wrote:Here are some similar fixtures from Ebay, that show a variety of suspension/mounts:
s-l1600-1.jpg
I'm wondering if it was like that flush mount one...
Though I suppose I could so whatever I felt like if I can find a similar part. I feel like I am eventually going to have a side hustle in antique lighting because I see finding great pieces. lol!
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Re: 20's lighting find
Willa wrote:That's a great score ! Knowing you, you probably paid $ 5.00 for both !
I think the 5 light fixture was suspended from a chain or chains, with a ceiling cap (is there a proper name for that part ?). Keep your eyes peeled for a box of antique lighting "junk" that you can harvest the parts from.
The ceiling cap is called a "canopy". Yes! I have been searching ebay!
I need two coordinating light fixture in the downstairs bath so, this might fit the bill!
Ha ha! You know me well... $15 for the pair!