How to clean brass wall lights safely?

Warm water and mild soap handle the surface dirt. You want to avoid abrasive modern metal polishes. Heavy rubbing removes the historic patina. A soft cloth and gentle pressure will lift the dust without stripping the character away.

I have an old wall light with a hollow tube but it looks like a candle holder, was this originally made for gas or electricity?

The hollow tube usually indicates a gas fitting. Gas required a pipe to carry the fuel to the burner, whereas early electrical wires could run externally along a solid frame. Many makers designed gas fittings to mimic the look of candles to suit conservative tastes. They often feature a tap near the backplate to control the gas flow. This valve is a clear giveaway of their original purpose.

Can antique sconces be wired for today?

Yes, most can. A qualified electrician will run modern double-insulated flex through the existing arms. They sometimes need to add a discreet backplate.

We are trying to figure out how high up the wall these heavy glass drop sconces should be mounted in our dining room, is there a standard rule for the period?

Historic placement depended entirely on the ceiling height and the room's function. They were usually mounted at eye level when standing, roughly five and a half feet from the floor. This height made them easy to reach for lighting and snuffing candles. It also kept the glare out of the eyes of people seated at the dining table.

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Antique Wall Lights from the 19th Century

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Fixed to a vertical surface to cast illumination outward, antique wall lights range from simple brass candle brackets to elaborate cut-glass electric fittings designed to brighten a room and highlight architectural features.