Christmas Light Set

Christmas Light Set

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Description (Brief)
A set of 19 incandescent decorative Christmas lamps with cords, about 1937. Lamps are wired into 3 separate strings which are plugged into a common terminal block. The strings are disposable, with strings being replaced as they burn-out. Characteristics: Lamps: Double-ended glass with a lead emerging from each end. C-8 tungsten filaments with soldered-crimp connectors. Tipless, oval-shape envelopes with seams running lengthwise (clamshell assembly). All but three are enamel coated: colors as follows: 2 white, 3 blue, 7 red, 3 green, 4 yellow. Three of the red lamps are spray-coated. Two of the strings have 6 lamps each; the broken string has 7. Cord-set: 6 black-insulated plastic (?) plug-sockets which insert into a plastic block. Jacket is a green woven-fabric. Each sting is a series circuit with a connector at each end. There is space for four strings in the block, but only three were found. The block-leads are wired to a two-prong plug with an black plastic housing. "Mazda [GE logo] Lamps" printed on each string's end-connectors. Paper found in the bag with the set reads: "1937 Disposable string set".
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
incandescent lamp
date made
ca 1937
Maker
General Electric
Measurements
overall: 76 in x 2 1/4 in x 1/2 in; 193.04 cm x 5.715 cm x 1.27 cm
ID Number
1997.0388.39
accession number
1997.0388
catalog number
1997.0388.39
Credit Line
from General Electric Lighting Company, thru Terry K. McGowan
See more items in
Work and Industry: Electricity
Energy & Power
Electric Lamps
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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