I am very excited about my latest vintage marketing material – a large catalog from Progress lighting dated December 1961.
The catalog is about equally split between retro groovy… southwestern style “Rancher”…colonial Americana… and viva Las Vegas, which is something that we have not dived into too much on this blog so far — but I feel an itch coming on!
Reading through I’ve learned that these lights were not called “retractable” — which is the term that I have been using. Rather, they were simply called “pull downs”.
And the copywriting from the Progress catalog is very fun:
Pull-downs in refreshing variety, with matching ceiling pieces and other coordinates… In this section, smartly sophisticated metal; nonchalance and warmth of wood in both walnut “slats” and “matchsticks”; “Ranchers”, large-scale and handsome as the Southwestrn originals; authentic charming and heart-warming are the “Early Americans”… Light moves from its age-old stationary position and becomes a faithful service of satisfying mobility, ease and luxury….
Today, I’ve featured two of the more modern lines: (1) The Sophisticates, and (2) Mardis Gras. I also have the price list, and it looks like the largest pull downs sold for $35-$40 at the end of 1961. Today, these can still be found on ebay, in many varieties. If you’re lucky, you can get a great price for a very mint fixture, but sometimes the bidding gets going on a desirable piece. In general – I predict these will continue to get hotter and hotter in the marketplace.
PRECAUTIONARY PAM REMINDS:
I have been told that pull-down lighting is no longer to code; please get with your own properly licensed professional to assess the situation and what you are working with so that you can make informed decisions. And, in any old fixture, also get with a pro to check the wiring and any other safety/environmental issues.
COMMENTS CLOSED – getting redundant
Kim Campbell says
I believe we had P4588. I miss having these!!!!
Jeannie says
I have one of these pull down lights in my livingroom. The bottom globe is missing, exposing the 2 light bulbs in the fixture. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement? It measures approx. 13 1/2 in. in diameter.
pam kueber says
Try this story for tips on resources, you are looking for a “diffuser”: https://retrorenovation.com/2009/02/19/where-to-find-a-shade-for-my-vintage-light-a-round-ceiling-fixture/
K L Wulff says
A number of people have mentioned that they have their pull downs attached to a track. Could someone post a pic of how that works or a brand name for the track. I can’t use a pull down unless I can reposition it as the table is constantly being moved depending on the number of diners.
I grew up with one of these made by a company in Montreal I think. My parents left it in the house when they downsized. Rats!! It was great!
Thanks
Ken Wulff
Holly says
Hi K L, I have one on a track, email me at hldawson3@gmail.com and I will send you some photo’s of it…we bought a late 1950’s ranch home a little over a year ago and the light is in the kitchen.
Holly
Ree says
Oops! No switch on either the fixture OR on the wall.
Ree says
I have a pull down light which has no switch – on either the fixture of the wall.
Did these have some kind of switch in the reel “egg” which turned them on when pulled down, and off when pushed up?
Thanks for all your insight.
Luke says
I need help to ID my light. It looks like a P4313 but has 2 more lights on top (6 light total). It is a pull down light that also has a track with handles on the cord to pull it out. Let me know if you have any info on this light or any idea of where to go for info on this light.
Thanks
Trudy says
can you point me to a website that I can buy these pull down lights from
pam kueber says
Hi, Trudy. These are all vintage, no one makes them new today. You can find them on ebay, etc. Note: We have been told they are not to code today. I always recommend you talk to an expert regarding rewiring / safety, etc. Good luck.
pam says
trying to rewire a pull down lamp. Any help out there?
pam kueber says
Go to a professional. We have been told that these old pulldowns are not to code – that’s why they cannot be made today. Best to check with an expert.
Desirae says
Could the same be said if the wire is fine, but it doesn’t retract anymore?
pam kueber says
Desirae, consult with your own properly licensed professional…
Nelly says
I found a funky ceiling light hanging in one of the bedroom of my dad’s rancher house (built in late 1950’s or early 1960’s). It looks just like a flying saucer with a retractable cord. it’s in great condition and works very well. It still retracts and the cord is in excellent condition too. I’m sure that it will make someone who is interested in vintage lighting fixtures very happy. It’s probably the original light fixture that the builder installed.
What’s the best way to put this on the market for sale? Do you recommend Ebay – or would a swap meet be better?
Where can I research current sale prices?
Any and all information is sincerely appreciated.
Thanks!
Pam Kueber says
Jita, congratulations! Send me a pic if you get a chance – retrorenovation at gmail dot com
Regarding prices on ebay, I think they are kind of all over the place, depending on the snazziness of the light, and its condition. I know lots of readers are looking for them!