How do I clean old brass sconces?

Dust gently with a soft dry cloth to remove surface particles without disturbing historical patination. Avoid abrasive metal polishes that strip thin gilding or ormolu surfaces from the brass base.

Were these lights originally for candles?

Many nineteenth-century examples started life holding wax candles before undergoing later conversion to electricity. Original drip pans and candle cups remain visible even on pieces adapted for modern wiring.

How do I date a sconce pair?

Examine the casting quality, fixing screws, and stylistic markers such as Rococo scrolls or Neoclassical symmetry. Period characteristics align with nineteenth-century French manufacturing standards and twentieth-century reproductions.

Can these sconces be wired for electricity?

Most hollow arms and backplates accommodate careful rewiring by a qualified professional electrician. Internal channels often permit discreet cord routing while preserving the exterior decorative metalwork.