Before. After. A gold rush!
My online vintage lighting store.
I had a pair of these 1920s sconces in storage for a very long time. They had been spray-painted black. Ugh. But what was under the paint? Prepare to to be FLABBERGASTED!
OMG! OMG! OMG! Under the horrible black paint was a bronze doré finish!! What idiot would paint over gold? Yes, actual gold!
“Bronze doré” is the French term for gilt bronze, also known as “ormolu” in English. This technique involves applying a thin layer of gold to a metal object (cast brass in this case), typically using a process that heats a gold-mercury amalgam, leaving the gold behind and vaporizing the mercury.
I gasp! Not only is the finish dazzling, but so is the quality of the casting. The sconces are richly detailed with excellent relief. I mean, wow.
Yes, wow.
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My online vintage lighting store.
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Remarkable transformation!
Wow, indeed! Absolutely gasp worthy!
Just…wow! Indeed. 😻
That is a truly remarkable transformation!!!
They are just gorgeous.
Glorious.
Those are absolutely beautiful. I’m sure whoever did it thought they were just painted.
I’ve heard the term ormolu but never knew exactly what it was. I only know gilt in regards to wood picture frames. Applied gold leaf is not the same as the process you describe, which seems more permanent and less fragile.
I agree, who would do such a thing.
I am amazed at how you can restore the travesty inflicted on these vintage fixtures.
The quality and workmanship of this pair is just beautiful. Someone is going to be very happy to find this pair. They would look fabulous in one of the Spanish Revival houses of the 1920s that are all over Southern California.