Item #0015 – American Tack & Hardware vintage storybook switchplate (1978)

Light on…light off…light on…light off…light on…light off….

We really don’t think much about flipping a light switch (this is starting to sound like a power company commercial), but what if we added a little pizzazz to our artificial lighting work initiators?

My friend, let’s explore the stealthy and dangerous world of SWITCHBLADES!

Wait, that’s wrong.

I mean…let’s explore the mostly rectangular and often forgotten world of SWITCHPLATES!

OK, enough funny business. I bought a set of seven of these at a yard sale this fall because they are pretty darn adorable. I don’t know if people really pay attention to switchplates (also known as wallplates), but I wanted to replace the Hulk-themed switchplate left behind by the previous tenants in the house we moved into this fall with a more girly or at least a regular plain one in my daughter’s room. I remembered my yard sale find and bada-bing!

I love that it has a nostalgic, Hans Christian Andersen-Brothers Grimm storybook feel. (Better than Shopkins or annoying chevron print.) The most unusual thing about it is that the decal is kind of like a puffy sticker. I don’t think it has that foam inside (remember taking those apart?) but is just simply raised. Same feel, still neat.

The switchplates were made by American Tack & Hardware which now goes by AmerTac. AT&H was founded in 1937 and originally sold thumb tacks and decorative furniture nails. Based in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, the company now distributes lighting and home electronic accessories.

OK, I think I’m done researching this. I’m distracted by switchblades now–especially the ones that have pop-out combs. I guess those would be switchcombs…!!!

Tell me, what do you call these things? Switchplates? Wallplates? Light switch covers?

Status: Find these vintage switchplates here on Etsy.

Random for you:

There are multiple kinds of light switches such as the push button, toggle (what most people have), illuminated switch, rocker, and tamper resistant (you’ve seen these in schools and restrooms). Even though not mentioned in the article, I am very partial to dimmer switches.

Need a light switch wiring diagram? Check out this one from Easy Do It Yourself Home Improvements. Now don’t start a fire! Either call a professional or stream some Billie Joel while you wait for the fire trucks.

I’ve got nothing else. This is about switchplates after all.