What's old is new

This is my place to show off the items I would call vintage, things I have either refinished or kept as is and find interesting. I am still a kid at heart bringing home what some might call junk and am always in search of that buried treasure. I am not a picker and I am not a hoarder, working with my hands on my own time repairing or refinishing the things I find brings me peace of mind and time to myself to contemplate whatever has transpired in my life or time to just zone out and concentrate on the task at hand. Some items for sale or possible trade just ask..click on my profile and send me an email.







Sunday, May 6, 2012

Pairpoint Dolphin Lamp - Antique Floor Lamp



Finally got around to cleaning tons of crude off what might be one of my favourite lamps (Dolphin). Not sure why dolphins there actually fish. I'm glad I did it proper and took it apart as someone had spliced and taped the original cloth wiring onto some newer wiring in the column. So I scrubbed with vinegar and toothbrush, rewired and removed a goofy makeshift washer that was added. I'll never be able to afford a signed original hand painted glass shade (not that I like them much) but I really like the black cloth one I found.                       





The floor lamp must have been in a barn or garage, the cloth wiring smelled like rat urine and inside the tri-light was packed with bugs. I totally dismantled the entire light separating the base the column and the light head then wiped down with WD-40 to remove gunk and rust, rewired and replaced one switch. Just picked up the fibreglass shade at the market which alone cost me more than I paid for both  lamps.

Combined total cost to restore both lamps including initial purchase, wiring, switch and two shades $62. Undecided if I want to sell just yet but if I do I think I'll see a nice return.

4 comments:

  1. Nice job! And that shade looks great!

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    1. Thanks, I'm very pleased with how they both turned out.

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  2. Nice job! I have a lamp I got at a thrift store that is similar to the floor lamp you have. I need to clean the bottom as well, so this is good motivation. strangely enough it came with a fiberglass shade similar to the one you have! I saw it at the thrift store for $10.00 and was mainly interested in the shade but figured 10 bucks for lamp and shade was a pretty good deal, so i got both.

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  3. The fish on the lamps might be koi fish. it does look to be somewhat asian inspired. Nice find.

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