With the original crystals now re-pinned with replacement crystals of the same grade, it was time to rewire the arms of chandelier.
The arms are two sizes in length -- one size for the longer crystal chains and one size for the shorter. The process of restoring and rewiring them began by individually buffing and hand polishing the silver plated fitters on both ends of the glass arms. Once the solid brass ferrules were buffed and polished, the silver plated components were spot-plated as needed, and coated with a protective clear UV-resistant extended life lacquer.
The glass arms and glass bobeches, which had lost some of their clarity due to a build up of dirt and grime, were thoroughly cleaned to restore their original shine.
When the chandelier was originally installed, it had been wired with data cable. This cable was removed and discarded, and replaced with UL listed wire.
Here we see two of the glass arms with solid brass ferrules. The ferrules on the left had yet to be restored. The ferrules on the right had been buffed and hand-polished.
Once buffed and polished, the ferrules were silver plated, as seen on the right-hand side.
Precautions were taken to ensure no damage was done while the ferrules were buffed, polished, replated and lacquered.
Once ready, the curved glass arms were rewired utilizing UL listed materials. Special techniques were used to transfer the wire through the narrow opening of the curved arms.
As each individual component is restored and rewired, they are being carefully packed in preparation for transit back to the park, where the crystal chandelier will be reassembled on site.
The glass arms and glass bobeches, which had lost some of their clarity due to a build up of dirt and grime, were thoroughly cleaned to restore their original shine.
When the chandelier was originally installed, it had been wired with data cable. This cable was removed and discarded, and replaced with UL listed wire.
Here we see two of the glass arms with solid brass ferrules. The ferrules on the left had yet to be restored. The ferrules on the right had been buffed and hand-polished.Once buffed and polished, the ferrules were silver plated, as seen on the right-hand side.
Precautions were taken to ensure no damage was done while the ferrules were buffed, polished, replated and lacquered.Once ready, the curved glass arms were rewired utilizing UL listed materials. Special techniques were used to transfer the wire through the narrow opening of the curved arms.
As each individual component is restored and rewired, they are being carefully packed in preparation for transit back to the park, where the crystal chandelier will be reassembled on site.Previous updates:
- Aging chandelier removed from Minute Man National Historical Park for restoration
- Missing crystal chains replaced on Minute Man National Historical Park chandelier
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About Grand Light:
Grand Light has restored, replicated and manufactured custom lighting fixtures at every scale, including various projects at Yale University, the Lincoln Square Theater in Decatur, IL., The Otesaga Resort and Hotel in Cooperstown, NY., The Shubert Theater in New Haven, CT., and other prestigious projects nation wide.
Located at 580 Grand Avenue, New Haven, Conn., Grand Light has been serving the interior and exterior lighting needs of homeowners and professionals since 1929.
U.S. Gov't C.C.R. registered company.
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