Antique American Brass Classical Revival Wall Sconces - Pair

Details

Description

Offering an elegant, substantial pair of early 20th Century American wall sconces Ca. 1910, crafted in solid brass, with their … Read more Offering an elegant, substantial pair of early 20th Century American wall sconces Ca. 1910, crafted in solid brass, with their lovely antique patina. Finely crafted, they're beautifully detailed and reflect the Classical Revival aesthetic, with strong Louis XVI influence.

Each sconce features an elaborately ornamented cast-brass backplate with a central classical urn motif, surrounded by finely stippled and beaded detailing and graceful scrolling borders. The combination of architectural form, decorative design, and substantial brass construction makes this an especially appealing example of early American lighting, near or at the design and craftsmanship level of companies like E. F. Caldwell and Company.

The switches either don't work or have been bypassed. In any case the sconce lights are all permanently in the "on" position. You'll need them to be activated by a wall switch. The switches are undoubtedly original and it would be nearly impossible to find a pair that would look as well as these, and work. The wiring is original and in fine working order; the sconces have been thoroughly checked out electrically. If you want them completely, professionally rewired, I can provide that service for $200 once you've purchased them.

The candle covers are age-consistent with the sconces but probably not original to them. Some of the drips are partly missing, some completely gone. As you can see, they can be positioned so the missing parts are minimally shown. These are particularly handsome candle covers and it would be a shame to replace them.

Clip-on shades can be purchased which will grab onto normal-sized, bulbous light bulbs. Or, you can use decorative bulbs such as those shown in the photos. The bulbs pictured are not included in the sale.

Dimensions: the sconces measure about 11 inches high overall and 8 across. The backplate measures about 5 inches across and 9 1/4 top to bottom. The sconces project from the wall about 4 1/2 inches. See less