Restoration and Rewiring of Brass Carriage Lanterns in Swiss Cottage, London

G & P Cohn recently completed the restoration of a matching pair of brass carriage lanterns at a property in Swiss Cottage, North West London.

Positioned on either side of the front entrance, the lanterns feature glazed brass bodies, projecting wall brackets and decorative eagle finials. Their traditional design complements the property's red-brick exterior and dark entrance door.

The work involved removing both lanterns, transporting them to our workshop in Hoddesdon, completely dismantling the fittings, preparing and polishing the brasswork, applying a protective lacquer, renewing the electrics and returning the lanterns for reinstallation.

We began by carefully removing both lanterns from their original positions on either side of the front door.

Once the fittings had been removed, the electrical connections were made safe.

The lanterns were then transported to our Hoddesdon workshop in Hertfordshire for restoration.

At the workshop, the lanterns were carefully dismantled into their individual components.

This allowed us to work separately on the brass bodies, projecting wall brackets, mounting plates and decorative fittings.

The lanterns have a distinctive traditional construction, with glazed panels set into brass frames and eagle finials positioned above each fitting.

Dismantling the lanterns enabled us to reach areas of the metalwork that would have been difficult to prepare and polish while the fittings remained assembled.

The brass components were prepared using a scratch-brushing process, removing the aged surface finish and taking the metal back to the raw brass.

This preparation was particularly important around the shaped lantern bodies, decorative features and wall brackets.

The photographs document the different stages of preparation, including a close-up of one bracket component after scratch-brushing.

Following preparation, the individual brass components were carefully polished.

The polishing brought out the detail of the original metalwork and produced a bright, even finish across the lantern bodies and brackets.

Once polishing was complete, the brasswork was lacquered to help preserve its appearance and reduce the need for frequent polishing.

The lanterns retained their original design and character, with the restored brass finish giving them a considerably brighter appearance.

As part of the restoration, both lanterns were re-electrified.

Following the electrical work, the individual components were carefully reassembled, including the glazed lantern bodies, decorative fittings and wall brackets.

The completed lanterns were then prepared for their return to Swiss Cottage.

Once the workshop restoration was finished, we returned to the property and reinstalled the lanterns in their original positions on either side of the entrance door.

The polished and lacquered brasswork now provides a striking contrast against the red brickwork.

The completed photographs show the restored pair framing the doorway, with the renewed lighting illuminated.

The result is a matching pair of traditional brass carriage lanterns, retaining their original character while benefiting from complete workshop restoration and renewed electrification.

G & P Cohn has specialised in antique and period lighting restoration, repair and electrification since 1954.

Our Hoddesdon workshop undertakes the careful dismantling, cleaning, polishing, rewiring and reassembly of antique lanterns, chandeliers and wall lights.

We also undertake the removal and reinstallation of lighting fittings throughout London, Hertfordshire and the Home Counties.

For available pieces, explore our antique lanterns for sale, or view further projects in Recent Work.