Nothing is quite as charming as the Storybook architecture movement, being rediscovered and brought into fruition for the U.S. populace by returning WW-1 G.I.s, many of whom would later become Americas’ product designers, builders, craftsmen, and artisans. These scenes of old European towns and villages would play as inspiration in their new line of work.
We were proud to be given another opportunity to restore several pairs of these porch sconces, giving them a new life. This time we were commissioned to restore, as well as match, other restored sconces in the storybook style on a client's home so all exterior lighting would complement the home's architecture.
The sconces were constructed of pot metal and had lost their luster, as well as some of their glass. We started stripping and cleaning each sconce and breaking them down into manageable pieces. All loose paint and debris were cleaned off and a new coat of black was painted on the body of the sconces. In order to achieve the silver highlights that gave the fixture some of its more unique attributes, the fixture would have to be painted using a silver oil-based paint with a fairly dry brush and light angled strokes all matching the same direction for each piece. It took some time to master the finish but was well worth the trial and error invested in the finish. The fixtures were then sealed with an exterior clear coat.
We were able to keep some of the original interior parts, or guts, of the sconces, including the threaded rods and mounting brackets, by cleaning and resealing them, but others needed replacing. We use our gloss black porcelain sockets, new wiring, wire sheathing, and new grounding wires, all of which can be purchased through the Vintporium by contacting us.
Matching the warm textured glass was a challenge, but once again, getting it right takes time. Much of that time was invested in talking to experts and craftsmen to find their sources to acquire the closest possible match.
If you are looking to have your vintage fixture restored, or need parts to restore the pieces yourself, contact us at info@vintporium.com. The Vintporium also sells restored fixtures and salvage and may be interested in purchasing any architectural salvage you may have.
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.
Can't Find the Part?
Looking for a matching sconce, a replacement shade, or an odd-sized fitter? Send us a photo and measurements.
A large portion of our inventory is uncataloged. Many of the doors, windows, fireplace surrounds, bath fixtures, and architectural pieces in the yard never make it to the website.
If you don't see it online, that doesn't mean we don't have it.
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.
cleaning each sconce and breaking them down into manageable pieces. All loose paint and debris were cleaned off and a new coat of black was painted on the body of the sconces. In order to achieve the silver highlights that gave the fixture some of its more unique attributes, the fixture would
have to be painted using a silver oil-based paint with a fairly dry brush and light angled strokes all matching the same direction for each piece. It took some time to master the finish but was well worth the trial and error invested in the finish. The fixtures were then sealed with an exterior clear coat.
cleaning each sconce and breaking them down into manageable pieces. All loose paint and debris were cleaned off and a new coat of black was painted on the body of the sconces. In order to achieve the silver highlights that gave the fixture some of its more unique attributes, the fixture would
have to be painted using a silver oil-based paint with a fairly dry brush and light angled strokes all matching the same direction for each piece. It took some time to master the finish but was well worth the trial and error invested in the finish. The fixtures were then sealed with an exterior clear coat.
We were able to keep some of the original interior parts, or guts, of the sconces, including the threaded rods and mounting brackets, by cleaning and resealing them, but others needed replacing. We use our gloss black porcelain sockets, new wiring, wire sheathing, and new grounding wires, all of which can be purchased through the Vintporium by contacting us. 
We were able to keep some of the original interior parts, or guts, of the sconces, including the threaded rods and mounting brackets, by cleaning and resealing them, but others needed replacing. We use our gloss black porcelain sockets, new wiring, wire sheathing, and new grounding wires, all of which can be purchased through the Vintporium by contacting us. 
1-408-387-0845
joe@vintporium.com
