How do I change the bulb fitting safely?

Most antique table lamps will need modern wiring installed before use. The original brass bulb holder can often be retained, but the internal core is usually swapped out. Seek out a qualified electrician who handles older lighting. You'll want them to thread new cloth-covered flex up the central column and ensure the metal base is properly earthed.

I have a brass lamp that has gone very dark and dull over the years, is it okay to polish it up brightly again?

Leave the dark finish alone if you can, and don't be tempted to scrub it. That dull surface is an acquired patina that builds up naturally over decades of exposure to the air. Stripping it back with harsh polish leaves the brass looking raw. Many buyers prefer the undisturbed surface as it suits the age of the piece.

Can I put a modern shade on it?

Yes, replacing a damaged shade is standard practice. You just need to measure the gallery diameter across the bottom opening to ensure the new glass sits flush without rattling. Fabric shades sit on a harp or attach directly to the bulb, so it is mostly a matter of matching proportions.

We found an old oil lamp in the attic and my husband wants to drill the font to wire it for an electric bulb, should we do that?

Drilling a hole right through an intact oil font ruins the vessel. It stops it from ever holding fluid again and alters the structure permanently. There are conversion burners available that screw directly into the original threaded collar at the top. The electrical flex drops straight down from the burner without needing a hole drilled through the side.

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Antique Table Lamps from the 19th Century

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Designed to cast a pool of light over a specific work surface or reading area, antique table lamps consist of a weighted base supporting a central column, capped with a shade and a burner or bulb fitting.