just bought an 85 year old house and tried to replace the old 3-way switch for the lights to the stairwell. removed old switches (still of the ceramic variety) and put new 3way switches i got at home depot. however, all of the wires are black (ugh?!?!?!) still some old knob and tube in there.

now, the first floor switch only works if the upstairs switch is in the "up" position. the upstairs switch will turn the lights off but then the downstairs switch doesn't work again until the upstairs switch is "up" again.

is this just my re-wiring? should i just play with it? or ist the original wiring?