View Full Version : Looking for really old light bulb(s)


Telecolor 3007
08-29-2009, 06:01 PM
I'm looking for light bulb(s) like this (these) - not necesarly from the 1910's-1920's, it/they may be from the 1930's-1940's, but it/they must have that protuberance above.
http://electriclights.tripod.com/
http://bulbcollector.com/gateway/Incandescent_Lamps/Drawn_Tungsten_Filament/Mazda_Branded_Lamps/GE-Edison/image/wd0012.jpg&img=&tt=
http://bulbcollector.com/gateway/Incandescent_Lamps/Drawn_Tungsten_Filament/Mazda_Branded_Lamps/GE-Edison/image/wd0018.jpg&img=&tt=
http://bulbcollector.com/gateway/Incandescent_Lamps/Drawn_Tungsten_Filament/Philips/image/wd0021.jpg&img=&tt=
http://bulbcollector.com/gateway/Incandescent_Lamps/Drawn_Tungsten_Filament/Philips/image/wd0001.jpg&img=&tt=
http://bulbcollector.com/gateway/Incandescent_Lamps/Pressed_Tungsten_Filament/image/ws0002.jpg&img=&tt=

And this time I'm insisting on direct delevery into my hand... I don't trust the mail... it my broke the glass...

Oren Leavitt
08-29-2009, 06:22 PM
You can find these old bulbs frequently on eBay - search on "light bulb" or "lightbulb" and look at the hits that come up in the "Antiques" and "Collectables" categories.
Mostly USA listings, but Europe listings appear often, too.
Most bulbs had the nipple on top up until the 1920's.
I've collected antique light bulbs and have had 100's of bulbs (tubes too) shipped via the mail with no problem - you should be okay.
Happy hunting!
- Oren

thedelihaus
08-29-2009, 11:51 PM
I found a few last year at a Portland, Maine "vintage" hardware/homeware store.

At least three types. I use them in some funky lamps I've retrofitted.

Check out some of these restoration hardware stores- maybe they have what you need.

DENNYDOG
08-30-2009, 12:02 AM
They do make retro bulbs like Paul stated above.

http://houseofantiquehardware.com/s.nl/sc.9/category.33/.f

dgwojo
08-30-2009, 12:11 AM
Those old lamps sure look cool!!

Reproductions (http://www.rejuvenation.com/templates/collection.phtml?accessories=Reproduction%20Bulbs)

Maybe try the Tube Depot;

Tube Depot (http://www.tubedepot.com/alb.html)

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-8476489043850_2067_34477463

bowtie427ss
08-30-2009, 06:58 AM
The repro carbon filament bulbs are way cool, they'll burn darn near forever. But, be sure to order more than you need as they are far more fragile than eggs, and i can almost guarantee that some will not survive shipping. Also, don't install them in high vibration areas such as near heavy doors that get closed hard. Ask me how i know.

Telecolor 3007
08-30-2009, 12:06 PM
If I look for new light bulbs made to look like old ones.. better look them in Europe. The ones from U.S.A. are working at 110 V - and in Europe we use 220 V. I woul buy and 110 V light bulb only if it'll be really vintage.

And in Romania is almost impossible to find real vintage light bulbs - throu all, in 1939 allmost off all of that time Bucharest, some villages in todays Ilfov County, a big procent of Prahova, Braşov (Brashov) and Sibiu countyes where electrified.

Telecolor 3007
09-04-2009, 10:43 AM
Yes, it seems that the light bulbs with protuberance where last made in the '20's. I have a German album from 1928 called "Licht" and there are no more protuberance light bulbs.

Telecolor 3007
01-29-2010, 04:23 PM
Still looking for one...

John in MA
01-29-2010, 04:31 PM
It's not for sale, but I have an original from around 1900, give or take. Still works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9e8cbIykXE