How do I fit a shade?

Most shades require a specific fitter size that corresponds to the metal gallery on your lamp. You slide the bottom collar into the gallery and gently tighten the thumb screws to secure it. Take care not to over-tighten the screws, as nineteenth-century glass can crack under uneven pressure. Ensure the shade sits level before lighting the lamp or turning on the bulb.

Were these shades used for gas or oil?

Victorian shades served multiple lighting types, appearing on oil lamps, gasoliers and early electric conversions. The open top allowed heat and combustion gases to escape safely. Oil lamp shades typically feature wider fitter necks to sit above duplex burners, while gas fixtures often utilised matching globes with narrower collars designed for upward-facing burners.

How do I clean my cranberry glass?

Wash the glass gently in warm water using a mild washing-up liquid and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive sponges or harsh chemical cleaners that might damage antique gilding or hand-painted details. Dry the shade thoroughly with a lint-free cloth to prevent water spots. Take extra care around ruffled rims and etched sections where the glass may be thinner.

How can I tell the period?

Examine the manufacturing marks, the weight of the brass fittings and the hand-finished qualities of the glass. Nineteenth-century pieces often show pontil marks on the base and heavier cast metal components. Stylistic cues such as Aesthetic movement etching, Victorian brass Corinthian columns or Edwardian floral motifs also help date the assembly to specific decades between eighteen-sixty and nineteen-twenty.