Identification

What have you got?

Start with the fixture’s form, glass fit, hardware, and dated comparisons. Clear photographs and measurements help narrow the possibilities; the available evidence determines how closely a fixture can be dated or attributed. Send us the details for a human-reviewed identification.

1. 1

   Read the form

   Record the overall silhouette, shade directions, arm ends, sockets, and any gas keys. A purpose-built combination fixture carried both gas burners and electric lamps. Later conversions have their own history; close views of the hardware help distinguish the possibilities.

   Compare combination fixtures and conversions
2. 2

   Measure the shade fitter

   Record the actual outside diameter of the shade neck and the inside opening of the holder separately. Add the neck profile and retaining method. A nominal fitter size is useful when sourcing glass; compatibility also depends on how the shade seats and is retained.

   See the shade and holder measurement points
3. 3

   Note the finish & hardware

   Photograph the finish, shade rings, arm joints, sockets, canopy, and any stamped pattern numbers. Record known replacements, refinishing, or rewiring alongside those observations so they can be considered during comparison.

   Keep a fixture measurement record
4. 4

   Match it to a catalog

   Compare the complete assembly, dimensions, model numbers, and hardware with a dated catalog. A close resemblance supplies a research lead. A documented match shows that the maker offered that model by the catalog date; the surviving fixture’s manufacture date still needs evidence.

   Read model numbers, dimensions, and dates

A documented conversion shows why construction and alteration dates belong in separate records: the National Park Service describes original 1852 gasoliers at Longfellow House that were converted after electricity arrived in 1924. Read the Longfellow House lighting record.

Need the measuring details first? See the How to Measure guide. Want to learn the styles? Start with Styles & Eras.