Author Topic: What are these light fixtures called?  (Read 7055 times)

rustyattic

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What are these light fixtures called?
« on: November 26, 2014, 08:38:00 pm »
Is there anything more specific then sconce or wall chandelier?  Also what style is it?

mart

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Re: What are these light fixtures called?
« Reply #1 on: November 27, 2014, 06:35:24 am »
Reminds me of the 70`s California Mission style sconces !! Went with all the chunky dark furniture of the era !!

frogpatch

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Re: What are these light fixtures called?
« Reply #2 on: November 27, 2014, 06:36:41 pm »
It is really hard to tell even though the pictures are pretty clear but it appears to me that these are not wired and sold in the US. UL would never list fixtures that have wiring exposed to the wall like that. In the US there would have to be a plate that would cover a box in the wall.There appears to be a switch wired into the fixtures which is also not to code. That is another indication that these are wired after production. My feeling is that they are either candle sconces that were wired for lamps or electric fixtures that are from overseas somewhere. As far as age goes it is hard to say. The wiring looks newer but the body could be as old as the 1930s. I see that the switch is made by Leviton, a US company, which makes me think that these are sconces that were converted to fixtures professionally. I would like to be able to see them closer. If you use them keep the wattage low, like 7 watts per lamp, to be safe. Very nice pieces.
« Last Edit: November 27, 2014, 06:53:28 pm by frogpatch »

cogar

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Re: What are these light fixtures called?
« Reply #3 on: November 28, 2014, 06:54:59 am »
Now I hate to be playing the role of Devil’s Advocate on this, but ……

UL (Underwriters Laboratories') certification is not mandatory for all saleable goods. But, on the contrary, the per say “mandatory restriction” that a purchased item must be UL certified and/or have a UL Label attached is determined by the purchaser of said items. For example, iffen you want to sell your applicable “item(s)” to a government entity, a distributor, a wholesaler or a retailer of similar products …..or as a “vendor item” to another manufacturer, you best get it UL certified before you even offer it for sale.  No UL certification makes the item a potential “liability problem” that everyone but the “end user” wants to avoid. And ps, UL certification costs a “ton of money”…. which the “little guy” can’t afford.

Anyway, all of the above was simply “justification” for me tending to think that the items in question were originally electrified and were made in the US. Also, to me, the positioning of the welded “hollow” square tubing infers/indicates original electrification.     


mart

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Re: What are these light fixtures called?
« Reply #4 on: November 28, 2014, 10:14:43 am »
I have seen many from the mid century era without a back plate !!

icedgold10

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Re: What are these light fixtures called?
« Reply #5 on: November 29, 2014, 04:57:26 am »
I think it is possible they are a modern reproduction.  The place I work for sells modern reproductions and these kind of strike me that way.  Are they heavy or somewhat light?

cogar

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Re: What are these light fixtures called?
« Reply #6 on: November 29, 2014, 07:12:48 am »
I think it is possible they are a modern reproduction.  The place I work for sells modern reproductions and these kind of strike me that way.  Are they heavy or somewhat light?

If I were to venture a guess ... I would say they were made of brass .... simply because of the "square" tubing and what looks to be "soldered" joints that connect the pices together.

Reference:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/193594867/5-square-oval-tubes-matt-black-color?ref=market  

icedgold10

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Re: What are these light fixtures called?
« Reply #7 on: November 29, 2014, 05:14:31 pm »
I'm not seeing any clear way they were meant to be attached to the wall?  I may just be missing it.  It does seem like a back plate is missing.

rustyattic

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Re: What are these light fixtures called?
« Reply #8 on: November 29, 2014, 06:55:22 pm »
I'm not seeing any clear way they were meant to be attached to the wall?  I may just be missing it.  It does seem like a back plate is missing.

In the 3rd pic, look near the top, in between the first 2 sockets  There's a circular piece for mounting.  I think they're heavy.  The sockets are porcelain, I don't know if that helps.

icedgold10

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Re: What are these light fixtures called?
« Reply #9 on: December 01, 2014, 12:42:49 pm »
Sockets look to be very important to the dating of the sconces.  Here is a link that help date the sockets. http://www.antiquesockets.com/socket-dating.html

KC

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Re: What are these light fixtures called?
« Reply #10 on: December 01, 2014, 04:02:11 pm »
Nice site icedgold10!
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!

mart

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Re: What are these light fixtures called?
« Reply #11 on: December 01, 2014, 06:08:55 pm »
Something about these screams "Made in Mexico" to me !!

icedgold10

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Re: What are these light fixtures called?
« Reply #12 on: December 02, 2014, 02:05:13 am »
Something about these screams "Made in Mexico" to me !!

I believe they may be screaming made in India.  At least that is where our reproductions are made.  The reason they are screaming newer is the shape of the petals.  Too pointy to be early and they point more straight up not wide and flatter.  This design was very popular in the 70's.  I had a pair of sconces that were like that design. 

mart

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Re: What are these light fixtures called?
« Reply #13 on: December 02, 2014, 06:57:40 am »
 I think you are right !! 70`s is what I said in my first post !!

frogpatch

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Re: What are these light fixtures called?
« Reply #14 on: December 02, 2014, 08:45:01 am »
Cogar. You are correct in saying that it is no law preventing the sale of fixtures that are not UL listed. (not certified) However any fixtures sold in the US for installation must be up the the standard of the NEC to pass inspection. These clearly are not. It is illegal to install a fixture without an electrical box unless it is listed as a portable lighting device. A portable lighting device would have a cord. plug and switch as well as a way to mount it. To mount these properly a backplate would need to be installed with the right hardware to attach it to the electrical box in the wall or surface mounted with raceway. That way any overload or short causing fire would be contained within the box. Back in the 20s these would have been acceptable as was taking all the power from a single ceiling fixture. My opinion is that they are European.