Author Topic: Clam shell Art Deco Lights (Read 5796 times)

josordoni · « **on:** September 14, 2006, 01:50:45 PM »

I've got a set of pink glass art deco clam shell lights, that I'll be selling soon, (I'll pop them in the Market place when they are ready) - but should I clean up the chrome before selling them do you think? I tend to sell things in the condition they come in, rather than tarting them up, but with these I wonder if I should have them rewired and rechromed for instant use, or sell them in their vintage state?

Oh, and does anyone happen to know who made these lights (no pics at present, but you know the ones, they are like these

Art Deco Clam Shell Lights

Anne · « **Reply #1 on:** September 14, 2006, 01:58:55 PM »

Lynne, I love these lights... I have a pair in the bedroom and they are just fab (mine are the white opaque ones). I don't know who made them but we have discussed them on the board before but search isn't finding the thread. I did find a repro of a Harrod's catalogue page for them in my Lighting book from the 1920'2-1930's (dates from memory - I'll check when I can unearth the book.).

As to cleaning the chrome, mine were a bit spotty and I bought a tube of Autosol (from Halfords) and cleaned them with that and they've stayed nice and bright and spot-free. Rewiring - I don't know, I'd be happy to have them in original condition and have that done myself, but others may advise differently.

Pinkspoons · « **Reply #2 on:** September 14, 2006, 02:01:28 PM »

Rechroming will set you back around £50+ a piece, and would vanish away any real profit. I'd give them a polish and leave it at that for eBay sales.

These shell-styled shades were made by many companies, it seems, in many countries as they pop up everywhere in different colours, sizes and variations.

josordoni · « **Reply #3 on:** September 14, 2006, 02:12:19 PM »

Thanks both, yes, I knew there was some sort of chrome polish, I couldn't remember the name of it, so that's great Anne, there's a Halfords just down the road.

I think I agree Nic about the rechroming. So they will get a good rub down and leave it that.

Anne · « **Reply #4 on:** September 14, 2006, 02:50:04 PM »

Lynne, I found the earlier thread at last!

http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,1566.0.html

ChrisStewart · « **Reply #5 on:** September 14, 2006, 06:10:46 PM »

Hi,

I think one of the manufacturers may have been Sowerby. There is a picture of Sowerby's exhibit at the British Industries Fair with one of these shell wall lights illuminating the stall. Off hand I cannot remember the date, but I think it was pre-war.

I'll try and look through my Pottery Gazette notes and copies this weekend and see if I can find the picture.

Regards

Chris

josordoni · « **Reply #6 on:** September 14, 2006, 06:17:10 PM »

Your lights look lovely Anne, I hope the whole room is like something out of a Busby Berkeley film??

Anne · « **Reply #7 on:** September 14, 2006, 09:58:08 PM »

Errmmmm not quite Lynne! :lol: but the lights are lovely. I'd not part with them for the world.

Glass shades give a much nicer light than plastic or fabric ones... in fact other than the striplights in the kitchen (I need good light for working by in there) there's only one non-glass shade in the whole house. That's in the spare bedroom - a modern purple silk one with glass beads which I thought would stand a better chance of surviving the teenage boy who occupied that room for the better part of two years (after coming to stay for 2 weeks!). Now he's left us I'm on the lookout for a glass replacement.

Pinkspoons · « **Reply #8 on:** September 14, 2006, 10:16:28 PM »

I currently have a Holmegaard glass shade on eBay... hint hint. :lol:

Anne · « **Reply #9 on:** September 14, 2006, 10:34:56 PM »

Thanks Nic, I already looked - wrong colour and style for the room. It's a purple room so orange shades are definitely out!

Really looking for something a little earlier in style as well - have my eye on some though, so fingers crossed!