Look for materials such as brass, bronze or copper. The drops on antique chandeliers usually were faceted on both sides as opposed to modern drops, which often feature a faceted side and a smooth side. A common feature seen on 18th-century chandeliers are daisy-shaped glass buttons.
How do I know if my chandelier is valuable?
Like any collectible, a chandelier that is in good, original condition will have more value than one that is in poor condition or that has been extensively refurbished. Examine the crystal to look for chips and cracks. Check whether any pieces of the crystal are missing or have been replaced with newer material.
How do I know if my light fixture is antique?
Look at the light fixture for manufacturer impressions. The metal framework supports the fixture, the base of the light and the arms connecting to the globes. The company names or signatures that were incorporated into the original casting are the most common markings.
Are brass chandeliers worth anything?
A brass chandelier is a surprisingly common scrap item. Older brass chandeliers often show unsightly oxidation marks and their often cheap construction means they are worth more as scrap brass than they are worth as used chandeliers.
Is there a market for old chandeliers?
There is a market for them if you can find the right buyer. Only a specialist can give you the value of these(rare) pieces. There are not a lot of them on the market.
Do chandeliers hold their value?
Chandeliers certainly can add value to a home, particularly if they're an expensive installation from the start. Chandeliers can add elements of elegance and opulence to a home, and will often be made with fine crystal and precious metals. The better the chandelier, the more value added.
How do you know if a light fixture is vintage?
For a light fixture or any other item to be considered truly vintage, it must be at least 20 years old. Vintage style lighting, however, is in current production but draws inspiration from designs and materials that were popular at least 20 years back and further.
What are old light fixtures made of?
Many early 20th-century lighting fixtures were made of brass, typically finished with a coat of lacquer. A surface cleaning for a brass light may be followed by a hand polishing, with or without a protective coating of wax that helps protect the existing patina.
How can you tell how old a chandelier is?
- Look over every inch of the light fixture for a maker's mark, name or date.
- Sift through old catalogs, newspaper advertisements and home magazines for your chandelier or a close match that could lead you to the actual manufacturer, country of origin and period.
- Consider the source that powered your chandelier.
Is there an app to identify light fixtures?
LightFinder is a new way to find and buy exactly the light bulb you need and have it delivered to your home. Scan your old bulb with the app and let our AI technology match it up with the right replacement.
How do I know what base my light bulb is?
A further explanation of the light bulb base sizes, you can look at the letter-number references (E12, E17, and E26) to help understand a bulbs base style and size. The first letter designates the shape or form of the base, and the number represents the width of the base (normally in millimeters).