I have the original light fixtures that came with my "Crescent" Sears house. I am not sure of what they are made of but I can see faded paint on the plant designs that decorate the fixtures. How do I begin to restore these? My wife hates them because they are so dark but I feel that they add to the integrity of the structure.

Dale, Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your Crescent home. Can you provide us with an image of the light fixtures? As a member you can paste an image in your post. Membership is free to this forum. I suspect rewiring may be required for your lights. and you might need to clean the glass. Caution on the metal parts so as not to damage them or polish if they are original.
I look forward to seeing the image
Fred