Looking for an unusual lamp socket

[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.