Should I rewire an antique lamp before using or selling it?

If you plan to use an old lamp, rewiring is often a good idea for safety. Original cloth or rubber cord can become brittle and crack with age, and old sockets may be worn. A lamp repair shop can usually replace the cord, plug and socket while keeping the look of the piece.

For collectible lamps, ask the repair person to keep and return any original parts they remove, such as sockets, switches or shades hardware. Some collectors want to see those parts, and certain original components can matter to value. Avoid drilling new holes or altering the base or shade.

If you are selling, many auction companies sell lamps as is and note that they have not been tested, leaving rewiring to the buyer. That is perfectly acceptable. Just do not plug in an old lamp with damaged wiring to test it yourself.