Topic: A light bulb for Frank

[Lustrousstone]

I haven't a clue what sort it is or where to start looking, any pointers please

[Frank]

Its a carbon-filament lamp used in infra-red heat treatment. I'd guess 1930s or even as late as 60s though the base is a bit crude.

[David E]

As it is LES (Large Edison Screw) I imagine Continental Europe?

[Lustrousstone]

Thank you both 

[Frank]

As it is LES (Large Edison Screw) I imagine Continental Europe?

Wrong assumption used and made in UK too, LBC are pretty unusual. I assume that there are no markings at all, they might indicate country of origin.


The lightbulb industry being born c1900 was the most important development of the 20th century and it is often used as a example of modern mass-market economics at play, from day one it was subject to monopolistic and protectionist business practise and the social impact was, from a humanistic perspective, largely negative. At least until governments started to manipulate it and breaking up the unethical commercialism that occurred. One of the few examples of non(-overly)-politicised behaviours of governments regardless off philosophy. I hope to get a chance to study the impact on the glass industry at some point but for those who would like to read a (lightweight) bit about its social history see here http://www.debook.com/Bulbs/lightbulbs.htm

[David E]

Yes, LES was also used in the UK but for more specialist applications (non-domestic), but my thought was that the vast majority were European in origin.

Ever thought about writing a book on the history of lighting, Frank?

[Frank]

  http://www.debook.com/Bulbs/lightbulbs.htm

I lost contact with the guy that was going to write the detailed technical history but I am pleased that my original research for some of the above has been picked up by others writing such books. My next contribution will be related to the glass industry and I always welcome snippets of information about glassworks involved. Such as Schneider Frere et Wolf, Edinburgh & Leith, and  hundreds more. As automation bit, many lightbulb companies set up their own glass works cutting out the many glass-works that helped meet the demand 1900-1920 - many of which I suspect may have folded as a result. Now almost all of the worlds lightbulbs are made by in one country.

An interesting bulb making company name in China is 'Shanghai Nazeing' but it might just be the name of a Chinese town and not related to UK Nazeing who also blew bulb envelopes.

The lightbulb production process also still uses Vitrite a high lead content 60% or more with a very high melting point. The stems in bulbs are 20% lead which offers low conductivity at high temperatures. The Dutch company De Vitrit Fabriek, part of Philips, makes Vitrite lamp caps but will probably closed in the last few years and moved to France. Only specialised bulbs are still made in Europe. Belgium and Poland being the main centres.

Corning's Ribbon Machine developed in 1926 is now the only type of machine used and today it has an output of 2,000 bulbs an hour. The machines were still being made in UK and Belgium only up to at least 3 years ago.

[Frank]

The last manufacturer of hand-made carbon filament light-bulbs.
http://www.kyp-go.com/products.htm

[Lustrousstone]

Thanks again gents

[David E]

http://www.debook.com/Bulbs/lightbulbs.htm

I know a good (overworked) editor