How do I mount French brass candle sconces?

These fixtures typically hang from a secure wall bracket or screw fixing integrated into the backplate. Professional installation is recommended if the sconces have been converted for modern electrical wiring. Ensure the wall material can support the combined weight of the metal arms and any added crystal or glass elements.

Were these sconces originally wired for electricity?

Most surviving examples from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries originally held wax candles. Many have since been adapted to accept electrical fittings while retaining their decorative candle tubes. Conversion methods vary, so inspect the backplate wiring channels to understand how the power cable is routed through the fixture.

How do I distinguish Louis XVI style from Rococo?

Louis XVI pieces rely on symmetry, neoclassical urns, ribbons, and straight geometric lines derived from classical architecture. Rococo designs feature flowing, asymmetrical C-scrolls, foliage, and shell motifs without rigid symmetry. Examining the backplate shape and the decorative motifs on the arms clarifies which stylistic vocabulary the maker followed.

Can I polish gilded brass and ormolu?

Aggressive metal polishes strip away the thin layer of gold leaf or ormolu finish, permanently damaging the surface. Dust the fixtures gently with a soft dry cloth and avoid chemical cleaners. Professional conservation cleaning is advised if heavier grime obscures the metallic lustre on older pieces.