[TheForge] switchplate

[Bruce Freeman]

On the other hand, switchplates are nothing more than escutchions for
electric switches.  It is the configuration of the switch (vertical
toggle with plate mounting holes above and below) that are "unusual" for
escutchions.   It may be impossible to make such a switch jive with
colonial design.  A thumblatch is the only toggle-switch like object I
can think of from that period, and that might not be a useful model. 
However, a rotary switch (e.g., a dimmer switch) could easily be fit
into colonial decor.
 
There might be no appropriate models for escutchions from the American
colonial period.  I think I'd look at period sconces for ideas. 
However, in Europe at the same period, there may be more such examples,
if only in the buildings and houses of the wealthy.
 
Bruce
NJ

>>> george.dixon@mindspring.com 1/15/2004 8:44:55 AM >>>

T'was said:

It is a waste of time and money all
    around unless there is a specific and sound reason for wanting it 
    absolutely authentic to a period where a given technology was
    not available
Agreed, especially if you are making ELECTRIC light switch plates, try
as I 
might I can't find any colonial examples.



"Period" varies.  The style of switchplate I showed, as well as how it

is formed, harkens back all the way to the second decade of the last 
century.
At that time. electricity was common, switches were mostly buttons and

decorative plates were made in Yellin's shop for switches (both button

and toggle).  <snip>


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