Historical Curiosity - Light Switches in brass & porcelain

When electricity came to the Swedish households in the early 1900s, it was initially a luxury product. If you could afford it, you would like to show it off with beautiful ornate switches. The round switches with cover were made in Germany, and the covers were usually made of porcelain but could also be found in bronze or brass. We can offer small round switches with toggle switch inspired by old-time brass switches. These are made of untreated brass and made by Fontini (see image 2 and below under related products). The untreated surface will be patinated over time and get a beautiful dark tone.

Image 1 shows a circular switch from Nyköping, early 1900s, which is molded in porcelain. The outside of the porcelain is black-painted and the cover is made of brass.
Source: “SLM 37458 - Switch from the early 1900s, Nyköping,” Sörmland's Museum, retrieved March 4, 2020, https://sokisamlingar.sormland...

Figure 2 shows single-pole switches with cover and knobs of brass on porcelain base. These switches must have been manufactured before 1895 and belonged to the first electrical part at KTH's old building on Drottninggatan in Stockholm. On the same image a wooden base is also seen, which was a common material in the early days of electricity but which was soon banned because of fire hazard.
Photo: https://creativecommons.org/li...

Figure 3 shows two single-pole switches with covers and knobs of brass on a black porcelain base. For amp. 125 volts or 1 amp. The switches have also been situated in the Old Building at KTH in Stockholm Photo: https://creativecommons.org/li...

Figure 4 shows rotary switches in black porcelain that was in production during 1917-1919. Photo: https://creativecommons.org/li...

Back to blog

Read more

  • Guide – Baseboards & trims card image

    Guide – Baseboards & trims

    In this guide, you'll find tips on how to choose, combine, install, and paint mouldings for a cohesive and durable result in a classic style.

  • Inspiration – Blue Spring Shades in the Store card image

    Inspiration – Blue Spring Shades in the Store

    Spring has arrived at our store on Karlavägen, where blue tones, glossy fittings, and wallpapers from Lim & Handtryck set the tone. Inspired by historical originals, the blue-and-white pattern creates a calm contrast against light wood and walls – just as beautiful now as it was at the turn of the century.

  • At Home with Christian Liljeros – A Carefully Renovated Turn-of-the-Century Villa in Södertälje card image

    At Home with Christian Liljeros – A Carefully Renovated Turn-of-the-Century Villa in Södertälje

    Renovating a turn-of-the-century house is about bringing history back to life, and that is exactly what Christian has done with his 1904 villa in Södertälje – with a love for details, respect for the old, and a keen sense of period authenticity.

  • Marius Fabre - Eco-Friendly Soaps & Cleaning Products card image

    Marius Fabre - Eco-Friendly Soaps & Cleaning Products

    For over a century, Marius Fabre has been producing authentic Marseille soaps in the heart of Provence.