Were these lights electrified originally?

Most pieces dating before the late nineteenth century were designed exclusively for candles or oil. Wall lights, chandeliers, and candlesticks from earlier periods underwent later conversions to electricity. Twentieth-century examples often left the workshop prepared for wiring, while older items required professional adaptation to accommodate modern flex and bulb holders.

How do I date a pair of brass lights?

Examine the casting techniques, screw threads, and assembly methods used to join the component parts. Hand-filed surfaces and older fixing types generally point to the eighteenth or nineteenth centuries. Style indicators also help, as Gothic Revival, Regency, and Art Deco motifs correspond to distinct periods of manufacture recorded by makers.

Can wall sconces be mounted securely?

Secure mounting depends on the weight of the cast metal and the structural integrity of your wall. Heavy bronze or multi-branch designs require appropriate wall plugs and screws fixed into studs or masonry. Consult a qualified electrician to ensure the backplate covers the electrical supply safely and supports the load.