Specialty Sockets

Unlike other sockets, which have two terminal points (or screw heads to connect the wires) this socket, as the name implies, has 3 terminal points. This is the type of socket that is used in lamps that have a light at the top and another at the bottom. Typical lamps that require a 3 terminal socket are Hurricane Lamps, Gone-With-the-Wind style Lamps and oriental Blanc De Chin Lamps. When wired correctly, this socket will allow the top and bottom light to be on at the same time or separately. 

This socket is referred to as “oversized” for a reason. A standard E26 bulb found in any household table lamp would be too small and would not work in this socket. This socket is specifically designed for a special Mogul bulb with a larger base. Oversized porcelain Mogul sockets were typically 3-way and found on several types of floor lamps from the 1930’s to 1950’s. Keyless versions of the same socket and bulb were often used in commercial buildings or in old school house fixtures from the same period. Fortunately, these exact replacement sockets are still being made today specifically for the repair and restoration  of vintage lighting.

This particular socket is specifically made for the rewiring of a vintage Gone-With-the-Wind table lamp. This socket takes a small candelabra base bulb, often referred to as a “night light” bulb. It has two 24” leads (one hot and one neutral) that go up to the power source. The unique clip on the socket serves as a mounting bracket. It’s designed to clip into a one inch diameter hole in the base of many vintage lamps of this style.

his socket is for a standard E26 light bulb; the regular bulb that would go in most any lamp in your home. However, what makes this socket unique is the extended 2” mandrel (a fancy name for a turn-knob).  This  special design allows the turn knob to reach through a wide, decorative metal lamp galley which would typically hold a chimney or glass globe.

Many vintage floor lamps also had a small light in the base of the lamp. In some homes, this would have been the only light left on after the family went to bed. This socket which is made for a small candelabra base bulb (or night light bulb) is designed to replace the old, worn out sockets in the base of these vintage lamps.  The opening in the center of the mounting bracket is secured inside the base of the lamp to the external on/off foot switch.