About the Piece
Pair of Vintage Spanish Revival Wrought-Iron Three-Light Wall Sconces
A dramatic matched pair of large vintage Spanish Revival wall sconces, handcrafted in wrought iron and distinguished by their architectural scale, elegant scrollwork and unusually shallow projection. Each fixture carries three candle-form lights, creating the presence of an antique wall-mounted candelabrum while remaining practical for hallways, dining rooms and other spaces where depth is limited.
The design draws from the decorative ironwork found throughout Santa Barbara, Montecito and Southern California’s early Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. A shield-shaped iron backplate supports three gracefully balanced arms: two lateral branches curve outward and upward, while a taller central stem creates a strong vertical axis. Smaller hand-formed volutes and scrolling tendrils animate the composition without making it appear overly ornate.
Each sconce terminates in three circular iron bobeches with candle-form sleeves, producing six lights across the pair. The long descending spike gives the fixtures their especially striking profile, ending in a small decorative finial that recalls historic Spanish and Mediterranean ironwork. Their balanced proportions allow the sconces to read as architectural elements rather than ordinary wall lights.
The iron retains a richly patinated coffee-bean brown finish with tarnished copper undertones. Subtle tonal variation, oxidation and hand-worked irregularities emphasize the character of the metal and prevent the finish from appearing flat or newly manufactured. The warm brown coloration works particularly well against lime washed plaster, natural stone, dark wood paneling, antique brick and softly colored stucco.
With their Santa Barbara Hacienda character, the sconces are ideal for a Spanish Colonial Revival residence, Mediterranean villa, Tuscan interior, California hacienda or Arts and Crafts home. The pair could be installed symmetrically on either side of a fireplace, architectural doorway, carved mirror, large painting, console or upholstered bed. Their slender 5.5-inch projection also makes them suitable for corridors and stair halls where a deeper fixture might intrude into the passage.
Each large sconce measures approximately 29.5 inches high by 13.5 inches wide with a projection of 5.5 inches. The shield-form backplate measures approximately 4.5 inches wide by 7.75 inches high. Each fixture weighs approximately six pounds.
The sconces are configured for hardwired installation and designed to accommodate three candelabra-base bulbs of up to 60 watts each. For safety, all vintage lighting should be examined and installed by a licensed electrician before use.
Attributed to North American production and dating to approximately the mid-20th century, the pair reflects the renewed interest in Spanish Colonial and Early California architecture that shaped many of the most admired residences of Santa Barbara and Southern California. The maker is unknown, and the sconces are offered without a specific designer attribution.
Good vintage condition with patination, minor oxidation, surface variation and wear consistent with age and handcrafted iron production. The dark tarnished brown-copper finish has been retained for its warmth and historic character.
Sold as a matched pair of two sconces, with three lights per fixture. Creator Unknown Origin North America, likely United States Period Mid-20th century Date Circa 1950 Style Spanish Colonial Revival Materials Wrought iron, patinated metal Techniques Handcrafted, forged and scrolled Sold as Pair of two Dimensions, each 29.5 in. H × 13.5 in. W × 5.5 in. projection Backplate 7.75 in. H × 4.5 in. W Weight Approximately 6 lb. each Bulbs Three candelabra-base bulbs per sconce, maximum 60W each Power Hardwired Finish Patinated coffee-brown with tarnished copper undertones Condition Good vintage condition with oxidation, patina and age-related wear
