The original front door lights, still in use on 87 of the homes in Harbor Walk, are made of bronze, not brass, and have always had the look of weathered brass. The common characteristics are thin metal rectangular frames, clear glass on three sides, open bottoms, a metal rear side with rear mounting and a “handle” on top.

Functionally, the smaller fixtures were installed above the front doors of the 2-story homes, with an inverted bulb shining downward across the entry.  The larger fixtures were installed next to the front doors of the 3- and 4-story homes, shining light sideways across the entry.

If your original light is showing functional signs of age, it can be restored at Wilson Heritage, antique lighting sales and repairs (10 East Towsontown Blvd, Towson, MD 21286, 410-583-7775).  It has been reported that they can restore them for about $40 in under a week.  Although removal and replacement of the fixture can be a DIY project (turn off the circuit breaker first!), you might want to employ an electrician or handyman.

If a previous owner replaced your original fixture with some awful, cheap substitute, or if you’ve realized that it was a mistake to put a fixture over your front door that shines sideways, lighting the second floor brick, and not down towards the door, there are lanterns available similar in style and function to the originals. Before purchase, make sure that the scale and dimensions are similar to the originals.  The following are examples, but not a requirement.