Antique Lighting & Lamp Buying Guide
Rewiring needs and shade authenticity are the two most common surprises for new lamp buyers.
Assume rewiring is needed
Most lamps more than a few decades old have original wiring that isn't up to modern safety code — budget for professional rewiring unless a dealer specifically confirms it's already done.
Original vs. replacement shades
Shades are frequently replaced over a lamp's life. A mismatched or clearly modern shade on an otherwise antique base isn't necessarily a problem, but it does affect value if authenticity matters to you.
Check the base material
Bronze, spelter (a bronze-look alloy), and cast iron bases each have different weights and values — an unexpectedly light "bronze" lamp may actually be spelter.
Antique Lighting & Lamp Buying Guide FAQ
Do old lamps need to be rewired before use?
In most cases yes — assume rewiring is needed unless a dealer specifically confirms otherwise, since old wiring often doesn't meet modern safety code.
How can I tell if a lamp base is real bronze?
Weight is a good first clue — genuine bronze is notably heavier than spelter, a common bronze-look alloy used on many decorative lamp bases.