The Restoration of A Porcelain Pull Chain Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture
Vintage porcelain light fixtures are among my favorite types of antique fixtures, so its no wonder why I jump at the chance to fix these little ceramic gems.
Upon the first inspection of this flush mount porcelain fixture, I knew it would need a deep cleaning. Remove the socket, socket ring, and hardware from the piece. Soak the porcelain parts in hot soapy water. This will usually be enough to get off any sloppy paint residue and dirt from the fixture. You may encounter staining or other difficult areas to clean. This is solved using a pumice scouring stick.
You may find that the socket and wires are in need of replacing. That's usually not a problem as the sockets are still produced today. You will want to save the old socket ring because the new ones aren't as pleasing to the eye and probably will not match the finish of the old fixture.
The new pull chain socket won't come wired and you will have to tin the wires and install them yourself. After wiring the socket, screw the old socket ring on. You will need to make sure it is nice and tight because the installation of the bulb may make it loose when the pressure of the bulb presses against the back of the socket.
The fixture is still in need of wire sheathing, mounting bracket, installation hardware, and thumb nuts. If you are looking for the parts and tools to get a similar restore completed, feel free to contact us at info@vintporium.com and we can gather all the items you need, or you can buy this fixture at www.vintporium.com in a week or two when it's ready for market.
Need help choosing or fixing a part? Our Salvage Knowledge Library draws on Vintporium’s work since 2008 to help you identify what you have, pick the right part, or plan your own repair.
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The Heritage Standard
Restored by hand, one at a time. Old wire out. New wire rated for present use, sound sockets, and grounding where the fixture allows. The body, glass, finish, and the marks it earned stay. Every fixture is tested on the bench before it leaves the shop.
About the Founder
Joe Golda has run Vintporium from his workshop in San José since 2008. He sources the pieces, pulls the old wiring, rewires them, finishes them by hand, and packs them himself. One person, one bench, one standard. Every fixture is tested — each socket, each switch — before it ships. What's original is called original. What's new is called new. We call this commitment to candor and craft our Heritage Standard.
Vintage porcelain light fixtures are among my favorite types of antique fixtures, so its no wonder why I jump at the chance to fix these little ceramic gems.
You may find that the socket and wires are in need of replacing. That's usually not a problem as the sockets are still produced today. You will want to save the old socket ring because the new ones aren't as pleasing to the eye and probably will not match the finish of the old fixture. 
You may find that the socket and wires are in need of replacing. That's usually not a problem as the sockets are still produced today. You will want to save the old socket ring because the new ones aren't as pleasing to the eye and probably will not match the finish of the old fixture. 
The new pull chain socket won't come wired and you will have to tin the wires and install them yourself. After wiring the socket, screw the old socket ring on. You will need to make sure it is nice and tight because the installation of the bulb may make it loose when the pressure of the bulb presses against the back of the socket.
The new pull chain socket won't come wired and you will have to tin the wires and install them yourself. After wiring the socket, screw the old socket ring on. You will need to make sure it is nice and tight because the installation of the bulb may make it loose when the pressure of the bulb presses against the back of the socket.
1-408-387-0845
joe@vintporium.com
