How to Rewire a Vintage Entry Lantern

By: Amy R. Hughes, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

Deep Leaf cast-iron ceiling canopy in antiqued-bronze finish, including hanging loop and mounting hardware

1½-by-⅞-inch plated steel chain in antiqued-brass finish

2-inch brass socket housing (helps protect socket from the weather)

Leviton medium-size porcelain keyless socket with die-cast cap and set screw

⅞-inch brass hanging loop with wireway

1-inch threaded hollow brass screw 'nipple'

Copper ground wire with attached ring (the safest bet for exterior lighting)

Black standard lamp wire

Close
Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Wire stripper
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Pliers (heavy-duty chain pliers work best)
Close

< >

Photo: Kristine Larsen

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8

7: Thread the Cord and Ground Wire

1 hour
$90 for the lantern, $50 for replacement parts

Difficulty: Easy Just pick up a wire stripper, if you don't already have the tool

When a friend asked for help finding a replacement for the modern flush-mount fixture that used to light the entry to her 1930s cottage (below), I set out in search of a vintage hanging lantern that would better complement her home's architecture. I picked up a mid-century painted steel lantern with amber glass panels in need of TLC for about $90 at newyorksalvage.net. Similar restored lanterns cost about $250. I then called the pros at Grand Brass Lamp Parts, one of the few remaining manufacturers of reproduction antique lighting parts, to order the wires, exterior-grade socket assembly, chain, and decorative ceiling canopy I needed to get the old lantern looking good and glowing again.