Looking for an unusual lamp socket

[turquoisedude]

Thank you very much all the same - I never would've thought of bringing an ohmmeter.   I really appreciate your help - let me know if you ever need any mixer bowls and I'd be happy to send you a set or three.... (I have hundreds...) 

 

[retro-man]

A possible fix may be if the socket is in the on position and works like this, is to purchase a plug in dimmer switch. I have picked them up at H.D for under $10. It plugs into the wall socket, then plug the lamp into that and you have a short cord about 4 or 5 feet with a slider switch that you can adjust the light level from vey dim to full power. I have a few around the house and enjoy the advantage of various light levels. Just a suggestion.

Jon

 

[rp2813]

I found one of those corded plug-in dimmers at a thrift store and use it in our spare bedroom.  It has an always-lit neon night light under the slit for the slider switch for easy location in the dark.

 

The other option would be an in-line switch.  A plain one, or one that has a two-position high/low dimmer, or the more bulky rheostat type that have a flat rotating thumb wheel for full range dimming.

 

There are also modern sockets with infinite control switches for dimming.  A pair of our living room lamps have them, and I've seen tented floor lamps for reading that also used them.  It may be possible to retrofit your lamp using a socket of that type.