Looking for an unusual lamp socket

[turquoisedude]

I bought a really cool vintage Lightolier table lamp sometime in 1989 at a church bazaar and I must like it, 'cause I've moved it 5 times...

 

The lamp socket never worked on it, so last summer I thought I'd try to replace it.  Unfortunately it turns out that it's an unusual and hard to find one.  It's a simple on-off key style socket but look at the stem for the switch.  That flat paddle is what connects to a knob on the shade of the lamp, which turns the lamp on or off.

 

I've had no trouble finding a socket with a threaded style switch shaft but so far not the flat paddle one.  The switch I took out is a Leviton one.  I've looked on every lamp parts (modern and vintage) site that I could find, but no luck.

 

Has anyone ever seen anything like this?  

 

 

[artcurus]

1950's. I've seen them only a few times. You're best bet is probably Epray or switch out with modern.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lamp-Socket-YOST-Fat-Boy-flat-paddle-OLD-PATINA-BRASS-per-each-/331464494311

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lamp-Socket...db2e12c&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=6&sd=331464494311

 

[rp2813]

We still have a switch in our attic like the Leviton & Yost ones pictured above, but ours is an Akron.  It's hot, but it hasn't been used since upgrading to actual fixtures and installing a standard box with a flip switch.

 

You might try Liz's Antique Hardware in Los Angeles.  I haven't been there in years, but they have used/salvaged items of every imaginable type that have been sorted and grouped so you don't have to dig through a bunch of miscellaneous junk (a la Urban Ore) if you go there in person. 

 

It could be worth a try to e-mail them a picture of what you're looking for (they couldn't possibly list their entire inventory on line).  They're not cheap by any means, but even with shipping, how much could something like this really cost?

 

 

http://www.lahardware.com/

 

[circlew]

I've seen a socket like that at some time in the past, but it's been a long time.

It's possible that the stem with the flat end is an extension that screws onto a standard threaded stem - I just can't remember. If it's broken already, you might try gently turning it in the opposite direction to see if it is removable. If so, you might be able to screw the part onto a standard socket stem.

What does the knob look like? Is it a decorative one made to match the lamp?

 

[pulltostart]

Paul

You might try taking the old socket to a local lighting distributor and see what they say.  They might recognize the part, might have something in inventory even.

 

lawrence

 

[turquoisedude]

OO! Liz's Antiques looks like a good place to try.   

 

I have tried the local electrical supply place in beautiful downtown St-Hyacinthe but they were unable to help... I thought they might have since I have found all kinds of oddball light bulbs and electrical parts there.  I should try the local Monday flea market at some point. 

 

I thought about trying to remove the post, too, but I don't think it will unscrew. 

 

I'll post a photo of the actual lamp when I get back (heading away from the snow for about 10 days).  

 

[rp2813]

I think Tom is onto something with his suggestion to turn the stem in the opposite direction and see if it will unscrew from the threaded piece.

 

[sarahperdue]

Have you found it?

I agree that turning the stem the opposite way is usually how the ones that unscrew come off.

Is the "paddle" in your picture what your paddle looks like or is it the shaft that your paddle fits on?

I have many old sockets in my stash. Please post pictures of your assembled lamp and the paddle for your switch, and I'll see what I have.

Best,
Sarah

 

[turquoisedude]

Finally - here are some photos of the lamp and how the switch is mounted.   It's been living in the garage for a few years now;  sorry for the dust!!

 

I did try to use a key-type socket but the round threaded shaft just doesn't connect to the switch knob properly.

 

I also tried to unscrew the paddle-shaped key from the old socket but couldn't.  I may have to take the socket apart to extract it; I have nothing to loose as the socket's not working, right??

 

 

 

 

 

[artcurus]

tqdude,

an antique store/mall here in town just acquired a whole bunch of electrical miscellaneous stuff. In this collection, are three jelly jars full of sockets. I think I saw one of these sockets in the mix with a flat key.

do you want me to investigate further?

 

[turquoisedude]

artcurus,   yes please!  As long as this will not be a huge inconvenience for you, I'd be thrilled if one of these sockets could be found.  Please feel free to email me directly (my email address is in my profile here).

 

Thanks for your kind offer!!

 

[artcurus]

Will do, will check tomorrow if works out.

 

[turquoisedude]

Thank you!!

 

[tomturbomatic]

I would contact Lightolier with a picture of both the lamp and the socket.

 

[artcurus]

Hi,

I FINALLY made it back over that antique store. The socket is an older version, ceramic base. It is missing the bottom half, however, the top half screws off. I believe the size might be the same.

I couldn't take a picture because my phone was dead. I can try and make it back over there once my phone is charged and get a picture. They wouldn't let me return it if it doesn't work.

What do you want me to do?

 

[turquoisedude]

Oh geez... I'd really like to see a picture if possible before you do buy it, just in case it doesn't fit.  It sounds like the socket you've found is a heck of a lot older than the one that came out my lamp... 

 

Thanks for your time and trouble - if it is too much of a pain for you to go back, though, I completely understand!!

 

[artcurus]

as it turned out, I sub teach and the school was on the same road as the antique store. I'll try and get a job on that part of town again for Friday, and we'll go from there.

 

[artcurus]

*edit*

Okay, going back to the same school for Friday that I had today, just got the job. I'll make a quick trip over to the store and get a pic.

 

[turquoisedude]

Thank you very much!!

 

[artcurus]

Bad news

TQ,

I did make it back the antique store, with an ohm meter in hand. It didn't dawn on me until today that perhaps actually checking the socket electrically was probably prudent.

Unfortunately it's suffering from same fate yours is. It's toast. It's stuck permanently on.

Sorry, I tried.

 

[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.