How do I wire an old lamp?

Rewiring requires feeding modern electrical flex through the existing central channel of the metal stem or column. A qualified electrician should install modern fittings to ensure the heavy brass or bronze body is properly earthed. Original switches are rarely retained on antique conversions, so inline cord switches or updated lamp holders provide safe daily operation while preserving the outer metalwork.

Are these lamps French?

Many pieces originate from French workshops or follow distinct French design vocabularies like Rococo Revival and Neoclassical styles. French manufacturing of this period prioritised decorative metal casting and gilt finishes. Some items reflect continental production trends that crossed borders into Britain and Italy during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

What is an ewer lamp?

An ewer lamp uses a water pitcher shape as the main body of the lighting fixture. These vessels often feature decorative handles and narrow necks that lend themselves to tall, slender silhouettes on a side table. Conversion from vessel to lamp usually involves capping the top and running a stem through the centre for a bulb fitting.

How do I clean gilt metal?

Dusting with a soft, dry brush removes surface particles without disturbing delicate gilding or patination. Chemical polishes will strip thin gold leaf or ormolu layers, so water and abrasive cloths must be avoided entirely. Gentle maintenance preserves the aged finish that develops on nineteenth-century brass and bronze over generations of use.