Pot Metal had its start in the early 1920’s budding automobile industry. All the non-ferrous metal leftovers were gathered and thrown into a pot. The non-ferrous, or iron-free, metals had a low melting point making them great for castings. The pot metal mix was not at all precise. Some common metals used were lead, zinc, tin, copper, magnesium, aluminum, and cadmium. Small amounts of iron would also find their way into the mix.
Many of the casted metal fixtures from the early 20th Century are pot metal and if you follow our social media posts you will no doubt have seen them in their restored state, including this antique flush mount fixture.
The fixture required cleaning, a new porcelain socket, wires, wire sheathing, mounting bracket, and a porcelain collar and thumb nuts to be painted to blend into the fixture. (click the parts link to be directed to its sales page or inquire about parts for sale at info@vintporium.com.) The fixture was then linseed oiled to bring out its luster.
The fixture will now make its way to the photoshoot and should be ready for its debut in a week or two.
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.
The fixture required cleaning, a new 
1-408-387-0845
joe@vintporium.com
