This is one possibility.

Here is a link that might be useful: Colonial revival fixture

And this is another.

Here is a link that might be useful: Old California light fixture

They are both very nice; the first one is very typical looking -in fact I think I have something similar
-- and the second is at least for me a bit more unique and attractive. It also looks to be a lot larger, so as long as that is still appropriate I think I prefer the second one.
Again, I am far from the most style savvy one on here, so I would defnitely be curious to see more feedbcck.

You will get many more responses if you can post a picture. There are directions that others have posted on how to do that. From my iPad, I can just choose "Image file to upload" and select an existing picture that I have on the iPad. It will show in your preview. Easy peasy. You can also use Picasa or Photobucket accounts.

Thank you for the feedback!

The choose file button on my iPad is greyed out and does nothing when I try to click on it. When I tried to set up a Flickr account, the ap insisted on activating the location setting on my phone and I couldn't get the photos already on my phone to upload. So not "easy-peasy" for me. And I have kids and a dog and million boxes to unpack so I don't have much time to devote to figuring the picture thing out. When I have a little more time, I will try to figure it all out and I will ask for help at that point if I still need it.

In the meantime, I would really appreciate feedback on the issue at hand, while completely understanding if people choose not to participate based on the lack of a picture.

Thank you.

If you have a Habitat for Humanity in your area, you might find fixtures, and for $10-$20, new and in the box. Many even have a Restore on line to view what's available, but it might not be their complete stock. Many items are donated by the big box stores, so therefore still in the box.

Here is a link that might be useful: H for H site/locations

Thank you!

I have some terrific carriage lights that are somewhat similar to the second one you posted but without the curlicues. I prefer that shape to the dangle beneath the light. I wanted chandie not regular sized lights and a slightly more artistic look. I found mine new in original boxes on Ebay from closeout store for 1/3 or less of retail. Also, I second Restore as a good source as I've donated tons of usable house items when renovating. As noted, many locations carry new items. Goodwill and other outlets are also possibilities.

The swap shouldn't take more than 15 minutes so labor costs should be reasonable. Maybe if you have any other small jobs combining them would make sense so you can get your $s worth since it's usually appropriate to pay a handy person for travel time in additional to time involved with the job. Good luck with tackling those boxes!

Here is a link that might be useful: ebay outdoor wall sconce

Ballard's has a lot of lighting with a French accent! Many of their outdoor sconces might work for you. I have found Ballard's quality to be decent for the price and their customer service is good.

For old-light inspiration, look at Rejuvenation.com. Not much in the French style, though.

Here is a link that might be useful: Outdoor sconces from Ballard's

Thank you all!

As to the handyman costs, I am assuming the time will come in the patch job if I can't find a suitable replacement with a big enough backplate.

I have something to the Sea Gull Hill Gate that is on the ebay listings in a single, double or 3 light version. I liked mine because it was a little different and had a bit of New Orleans flavor. We've had them about 10 years (so could be a different manufacturer and style, but similar) and I still love them. The back plate on mine is over 5 inches wide at the junction and I looked up the pdf info on a single light version (also available at Lowe's) and it says the backplate on that one is 5-1/2 inches.

Thank you!

This one is a little more ornate but worth a look.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fleur de Lis outdoor sconce