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  • Home » Decorating Resources -- Also note those subcategories in the orange navigation, above! » lighting » Bo Sullivan identifies my vintage pull-down kitchen light

    Bo Sullivan identifies my vintage pull-down kitchen light

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    Posted by: Pam Kueber • March 24, 2009

    midcentury-kitchen-with-geneva-metal-kitchen-cabinets
    Kitchen photo: Copyright Kit Latham.

    1959-vintage-imperialite-kitchen-light1One of the highlights of my recent visit to Rejuvenation Lighting in Portland was when historian Bo Sullivan was able to — immediately — identify the vintage pulldown light over my kitchen table. I don’t think I’ve told this story before: One Friday afternoon after a hard day’s work — when I was driving home – I got the idea that I needed a vintage light NOW. This was when I was putting the final details of my kitchen together before contractor Kevin started. So as soon as I got home, I jumped on ebay and with 12 minutes to go spotted the light shown here above the tulip table. Of course, I snapped it up – for $12. Bo knows lighting – he knew exactly who made the light and showed it to me in a catalog —>

    1959-vintage-imperialite-kitchen-light1

    Ta da!: It’s a 1959 Imperialite, made by Emerson-Imperial.

    1959-emerson-imperial-lighting-company-catalog

    The date on this catalog is Sept. 15, 1959. Hey, my light is 50 years old this year: Like Barbie, and me!

    1959-vintage-imperialite

    This light – which I spotted on ebay last year – was on the same page with my light, in the catalog:

    pams-vintage-pull-down-light-emerson-imperial

    Aren’t these all swoon-able?

    Note: I also have been told that pull-down lights like these are no longer to code — that’s why you don’t see them for sale any more. I am not an expert, so if you have a light like this, consult with a professional to assess the situation so that you can make informed decisions. Also, when working with old lights, a pro can also help you assess the wiring situation. For more info see my Renovate Safe page.

    vintage-light-catalog

    Here’s Bo with another catalog. Over the past 15 years, Bo has been collecting vintage marketing material from 20th century lighting companies. The collection is AMAZING. Rejuvenation is in the process of moving the collection from the factory… over to the store. There, it will be accessible to customers as a research and inspiration resource. And guess what – there’s a latte bar at the store, too. Now, that’s all I need to be happy: Good coffee… and a million vintage lighting catalogs. Bo, are you sure I’m invited back? I’ll never leave! Thank you again for sharing your knowledge. More Rejuvenation posts to come…

     

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    Comments

    1. Chuck McLaughlin says

      April 30, 2016 at 12:36 am

      I need to know how the pull-down lamps that were the rage in the ’50’s worked? The pendant-like fixture on my lamp slides up and down but doesn’t do anything else. Obviously something is wrong.l Is the cord supposed to coil up in the aforementioned pendant or what?

      Reply
      • pam kueber says

        April 30, 2016 at 10:10 am

        Chuck, get with a properly licensed professional to assess this issue; old lighting and other old products like this may not be up to current codes; I have been told that pull-downs are no longer to code — get with your own pro.

        Reply
    2. Jim says

      December 18, 2016 at 7:20 pm

      Pam or Kate, how do I identify my 1959 Imperialite pull-down light fixture? Is their an online archived catalog? There are stickers on it showing E12933 and also “electric fixture B-96683”. Appreciate your help.

      Reply
      • pam kueber says

        December 19, 2016 at 8:19 am

        Hi Jim, The only way I know of is to find a catalog. Perhaps Bo can help you. Also remember: I am told these old pull-down lights are no longer to code — consult with a properly licensed professional to assess what you are dealing with so that you can make informed decisions how to handle. Be Safe / Renovate Safe!

        Reply
    3. John says

      October 29, 2017 at 12:01 pm

      I purchased a wonderful retro saucer with a retraction bulb, found fabulous olive green pully cord to replace the frayed crumbling cord, but in removing the wire from the pully bulb, I lost the tension in the dual spring mechanism and haven’t been able to solve the rewind issue. I’ve searched high and low for video on this but found NADA. Any insight or direction would be wonderful. Any suggestions?

      Reply
      • Pam Kueber says

        October 29, 2017 at 12:47 pm

        Consult with a properly licensed pro. Note, I’ve been told vintage pull-downs are no longer to code but I am not the expert.

        Reply
    4. Debra says

      November 24, 2018 at 11:42 am

      Are there any resources available related to repairing the retractable mechanism for mid-century pull-down lamps? I found one that I love, but the pull down mechanism will not release the cord.

      Reply
    5. Debra says

      November 26, 2018 at 12:39 pm

      Some of the pull down lights were on a track. My mom had one that she could pull out to center over the kitchen table when company came or push back when the table leaves were collapsed. I remember her light had weights on the cord to pull it down which looked like a scallop. Does anyone know what these cord weights were called or where they might be found for purchase?

      Reply
      • Pam Kueber says

        November 26, 2018 at 1:42 pm

        Hi Debra, I have been told that the old-style pull downs are no longer to code. That said, I am not an expert so when this question comes up, advise readers to get with a licensed lighting pro to understand local/state/whatever codes. Renovate Safe! https://retrorenovation.com/renovate-safe/

        Reply
    6. BlAAck says

      July 29, 2019 at 2:21 pm

      Do you know whether or not these old pull-down lights are to code?

      Reply
      • Pam Kueber says

        July 29, 2019 at 2:32 pm

        I have been told they are not to code (see text in story) — I advise folks to get with a properly licensed professional to assess what they are dealing with so they can make informed decisions how to handle.

        Reply
    7. southern patriot says

      October 8, 2019 at 11:01 pm

      I was not aware that are many who liked that style besides me. My problem is I keep hitting my head on the current. One more time and “Pow! Right in the Kisser”! Is there no one company that makes this vintage and popular lighting? I keep a looking. Good day mates.

      Reply
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