Hi all--I was directed here from Old House Web. I'm not sure if the chandelier/lamp I have is an Arts & Crafts era item, but I'm having a difficult time figuring out its "genre." The story is that the woman took this light fixture from her 130 year old house. Sad for the house, but hooray for my old gal! It's FILTHY, but I cleaned it up a bit with a microfiber cloth so that you all could see the gorgeous metal work. Curiously, it has the numbers "1833" engraved on the insides of several of the arms, but that CAN'T be the date it was made, so it must be a model number? I've checked the sockets, but they're your standard old Levitron sockets with no patent date or any other identifying mark.

The floral designs look very art nouveau to me, but I'm not certain. I'm planning on rewiring it and having it installed in my foyer (which currently has an ugly Home Despot "Contractor's Special" fixture hanging in it). I've got some pictures here:

http://s44.photobucket.com/alb...rent=chandelier1.jpg



Once you reach the picture of the stuffed zucchini, you'll know you've seen all of the light fixture pics. You'll see that the little flower baubles are painted green, which I know was a popular thing to do...but when??

Also--what should I clean it with? Would a damp rag with water/white vinegar be alright, or is there something special I should use?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Nice score. You're right about its not being A&C, but that doesn't really diminish it. From just the pics, I'd date it to the late 1920s. Many of the motifs are actually Art Deco. The 130 year old house might have been remodeled in the 1920s ... who knows? It's a great find.

I'll let one of the metal experts weigh in with its care and feeding. They're much more knowledgeable than I am.

It should be absolutely spectacular in your foyer!

Best,
Rikki

I think you're right about the Art Deco styling of the lamp. I'm so thrilled to have snagged it off of Freecycle! Do you all think it's intended to be a bare-bulb lamp (I know a lot of people used decorative bulbs) or that it had shades at one time? From the looks of it (filth-wise), it hasn't been touched since it was hung up.

Hello,

Nice find!!! Other members are right about the lighting is being made in late 1920's. It will look good in Tudor house with little of Spanish decoration. It is supposed to be bare blubs not with the shades due to the floral finials on the end of the sockets. I recommend you to check out with Rejunevation Company, they specialize in lighting and hardwares. They also sell reproduction decoration light bulbs. The fixture you have is best to have globe bulbs. Not flame or Edison period. Rejunevation offers three different color shades on the bulbs. Please check out their website... www.rejunevation.com

Regards,

Daniel