Once I started into the triage phase, it was quickly apparent that I wasn't going to be able to preserve the patina while successfully removing the exterior paint splatter and other environmental indignities. One of them had suffered considerable abuse that included seemingly random holes drilled into the copper, some sort of grinder or file bruises, and a number of clumsy cold solder joints. Besides, getting to bare, shiny copper was the only way to ensure good solder repairs. The remedy called for taking the entire finish all the way down to bare copper and allowing the patina process to emerge naturally over time.
The before photo shows one of the fixtures (with bulb) and its decrepit wiring still in tact. The other one has a length of new wire temporarily fitted just to give me a sense of possibility. It took almost two years of casual pursuit to find glass that was a suitable match to the original.
As of today, one fixture is finished and ready for another century of service back at the UCC. The other one isn't far behind. Who doesn't love happy endings that make for new beginnings?
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| Two original UCC Vermillion copper lanterns before restoration |
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| The same two lanterns almost ready to go back "home" at UCC |
