tradional switches and sockets as alt to bakelite

[SparkyUK]

We are rewiring our new house as the wiring hasn't been done since 1937. As part of this, we need to replace the old bakelite switches, which we would have loved to keep as they are so in keeping with the style of the house. (Well, it's actually an older Arts and Crafts house, but something about the bakelite seems particularily in keeping. Maybe that they are defintiely period, but without being fussy or showy?)

Anyway, if we didn't have to do a thousand other things to the house, we'd consider replacing all the switches with new bakelite ones, but at 25 pounds a pop, that isn't the most wallet-friendly option. Also, we're not sure what style of sockets would go with them.

We also like toggle switches, but are having trouble finding a style taht isn't either way bright brassy or pseudo modern flat-plate polished steel. We thought we had hit gold with some vintage brass ones that were like a worn brass, but samples just came and they are very cheap and faux looking.

Any ideas as to where we can soruce anyting suitable? Or of a place in London or abouts that will have them all on display? The only places I can find are homebase type places (which all seem to carry variations on 3 styles) or v. fancy showrooms where each switch is 40 pounds and up.

help!

(ps sorry this is a rather long question about a less than gripping topic. We've just really run into a deadend so I'm hoping the resourceful mumsnetters can help me out once again!)

try the hamilton cheriton range or look at jim lawrence. city electrical factors have lots of brochures and lots of branches, sell mainly to trade but also public, but dont think they sell over a website.

Get hold of a copy of Period Living magazine, there are all sorts of suppliers of this sort of thing listed therein.

Jim Lawrence or Forbes and Lomax are good places to look for very high quality switches and sockets. John Lewis has a surprisingly good range as well.

Unfortunately they are very expensive, though!

It's worth looking regularly on Ebay to see if anyone has bought extras that they're selling on, or even original bakelite switches.

We have lots of original bakelites, but unfortunately, despite the fact that they all work fine, we can't use them because of regulations. Apparently we can't even reuse the mounting blocks they are on, which I suspect may be the electrician being un-imaginative, but hey ho. John Lewis is a good idea - forbes & lomax are a bit out of our budget I think. I'm wondering if there is a way to paint sockets without buying their special primed versions.

Did you ask any other electrricians about your Bakelite fittings? Are you 100% sure you cant use them or the mountings? I would make sure of thie before looking at other options but second the suggesations for J Lawrence/J Lewis etc.

I use GET Ultimate, in matt white as we didnt have the budget for anything else, but they are very thin and discreet and they do some other nice finishes and some toggle swtiches (they arent cheap though)
www.rbstaronline.co.uk/acatalog/Ultimate_Screwless_Flat_Plate.html