1930s Pair of Art Deco French Wall Sconces by Boretti & Petitot, Real “Zingers”

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Boretti and Petitot, 2 giant names in French lighting. The Boretti works were in Lyon, Petitot in Paris. Neither of … Read more Boretti and Petitot, 2 giant names in French lighting. The Boretti works were in Lyon, Petitot in Paris. Neither of these, the glass (Petitot) or the sconces themselves (Boretti) are signed, but… well, let’s just say I’ve been doing this a LONG time and feel quite confident in my attributions. The Complaints Department is always open!

The backs are made of 100% solid brass, as was the custom of this high-flying company. They were lacquered at the time and the lacquer has, well, been compromised by “atmospheric debris,” with the result being the spotting that you see in the photos. Not a big deal to disassemble these and have them polished out and re-lacquered, but my days of doing this kind of work are FINISHED!

I can recommend a plating shop in Southern California or one in Northern California if you feel compelled to proceed with that job, or you can do it yourself, no big deal.

Meanwhile, we have “antiqued” antiques!

And what powerful sconces these are, projecting as they do a full 12 ½ inches from the wall, with all their bold design. The glass, of course, is “the best” from this era (probably the 40s). And in perfect condition… The shades are 8 inches in diameter (by 3 high), bold and brassy themselves, in perfect harmony with the backs. The back plate is 3 7/8 in diameter. Top to bottom, they’re 7 inches.

These aren’t especially easy to install, which is de rigeur with French lighting; hopefully you have a competent electrician. They’ve been rewired by myself and fitted with American candelabra sockets, each of which can host up to a 60-watt bulb.

A fabulous pair of sconces, which in the right place in your home will be transformative! See less