Why Pay More For Our Lighting? Copper and Tin vs. Base Metal

I am frequently asked why our lighting is more expensive than company X. My response tends to be “Lots and lots of details and some major differences.” I’m noticing recently that many consumers base their judgments on what they can see at major lighting centers and base their idea of price on that. However, you will not see our quality of lighting there. We sell primarily to the trade. Ours is handmade in Connecticut and Massachusetts by skilled workers making American wages with benefits. (Think GREEN – we also recycle all scrap). We pride ourselves in using high quality materials, like copper and tin for our lanterns and sconces. What we use is heavy gauge and made to last. Others use something called a ‘base metal’. I’m told by salespeople in the box stores that most lighting will last 10 years, while ours will last generations.

Our structural materials are of critically higher quality, but our patinas are where we shine. Ours are organic, living finishes. No two are exactly the same – we don’t spray on a finish to look oxidized/verdigris. Instead, we use a procedure that is time-consuming, temperature and humidity controlled, we fine-tune until it looks right. It we were to rush the process, we would loose the uniqueness of our products and become another lantern on the shelf of a major lighting center.

Scofield Historic Lighting has just added a $10K to our facility to improve our efficiency while improving the quality- a rare feat. After the patina is fixed, the bronzed and leaded copper get hand buffed. We don’t apply plastics to the finishes – we prefer to allow the metals to age gracefully.

Restoration Glass is not standard – there is no comparison. We can also provide seeded or etched upon request. This detail adds a lot to our cost but it’s just more beautiful.

Some of the heft of our lighting is in the folds, hems and seams. These details add a level of solidness to the lighting that is subtle but distinct. Our proportions are classically influenced. We feel the lighting should reflect the grace and quality of the architecture it is chosen for.

Feel free to call us to discuss more specifics – we love to share what we know.