Wilton Metal Sconces

Q: I bought a pair of metal candle sconces at a recent estate sale because they looked interesting. I bought them for a buck each. When I came home, I realized that the word “Wilton” is stamped on the backs. Each has two candleholders below a flat circular piece decorated with a curved-line cross, hearts, circles and a scalloped border. I’d like to know more about Wilton and the value of these sconces.

A: The Wilton family established its first metal manufacturing company in Wrightsville, Pa., in 1892. Wilton Products was founded in about 1935. It produced candleholders, bottle openers, garden plaques, mechanical banks, trivets, wall decorations and other decorative items at plants in Wrightsville and Santa Barbara, Calif. Wilton Products closed in 1989, but some of its products have been reintroduced by Wilton Armetale, another Wilton company. The curved-line cross on your sconce is called a “lauburu” or “Basque cross.” Value: about $50 for the pair.