Antique Light Bulbs
The first scientific developments leading to the invention of the light bulb date to the early 19th century. Pioneer bulb developers used a carbon filament as a conductor, yet carbon evaporated quickly at the high temperatures produced in the lighting process. The first sustainable incandescent -- emitting light in response to being heated -- bulbs were developed simultaneously yet independently by Thomas Edison and Joseph Swan in 1879. Edison went on to refine his choice of materials and produce a bulb that could sustain up to 1200 hours of light. This is the origin of antique light bulbs.
Many scientists continued to test materials for the essential wire filament within the glass bulb envelope, and in the early twentieth century hit on tungsten as an ideal material with a high melting point, strength and malleability. The tungsten filament bulb was manufactured by the General Electric Company beginning in 1905. This type of light bulb is still in use more than 100 years later.
Today, collectors appreciate antique light bulbs as both an opportunity to preserve an important aspect of history as well as an investment in specialty items which, when carefully chosen, will gain in value as the years go by. Vintage lighting enthusiasts and interior decorators have created a market for reproduction antique light bulbs which enhance the authentic glow of old-century fixtures in contemporary settings.
Collectible Antique Lighting
In the antique lighting trade, items described as "collectible" are those of historic interest and intrinsic value which have the potential to appreciate in value over time. When collecting antique light bulbs, some guidelines by which to judge whether a bulb is collectible include:
Condition
- Does the bulb work?
- Is the glass free of scratches and unmarred?
- Is the metal free of corrosion?
- Is the tip unbroken?
- Is the label intact?
Age
- The most collectible light bulbs pre-date 1900
Rarity
- The fewer bulbs of its kind that were made, the more valuable-and collectible-- the bulb will be
While it is fairly easy to judge the condition of the bulb by looking at it, you may need expert advice to judge the age of the light bulb until you have gained a collector's eye. One thing to look for is porcelain insulation on the base of the bulb.
To determine the rarity of the antique bulb, experience, expert advice, and research are your best tools.
Appearance of Vintage Light Bulbs
Vintage light bulbs can look as different as the many manufacturers producing bulbs in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Light bulb producers experimented with filament configurations, various shapes of glass, different colors of glass, varying sizes of bulbs for uses as different as chandelier and automotive lighting, and base variations. Many antique bulbs feature an "exhaust tip," or pointed bit of glass on top. Look for some of the following rarer elements when evaluating an antique light bulb:
If you find an antique light bulb online or in a catalog that you would like to add to your collection, or have sold an antique bulb to a non-local buyer, your next consideration will be packing it for safe transit.
Packing an Antique Light Bulb for Safe Passage
A light bulb is one of the most fragile items you will ever ship. It is amazing that light bulbs more than 100 years old have survived to be collected. Therefore, when packing a valuable collectible light bulb, take the following precautions, as described on bulbcollector.com:
- Choose a big enough box to leave room for cushioning the light bulb
- Gently wrap the antique light bulb in a double layer of small bubble wrap
- Secure with a small piece of tape for ease of unwrapping
- Line your shipping box with polyester stuffing (available at the fabric store)
- Set the bulb in the box vertically, base down and exhaust tip up
- Firmly pack stuffing around the bulb to secure it in place
- Clearly mark the box with "This Side Up" to help keep it vertical in transit
Other Factors for the Collector to Consider
Any antique item which comes with some sort of verification, whether that be a written history, a dated receipt, the original packaging, or other type of documentation, is instantly considered to be more valuable by the experts.
Consider the case of the 2007 Christie's of London auction. A quantity of antique Edison light bulbs dating back to the late 19th century came up on the block. These particular light bulbs had been entered into evidence during a patent infringement suit brought by Thomas Edison in the year 1890, and came with the court's verification. While the bulbs did not sell during the auction because the highest bid did not meet the seller's secret reserve, one bidder offered nearly 100,000 pounds. Quite a price tag for 23 little glass globes.
Antique Light Bulb Reproductions
If you are not a collector but like the look of some of the quirkier antique bulbs, you will find that today's manufacturers do produce some reasonably priced imitations. The Antique Light Bulb Company produces several styles of reproduction bulbs priced below $10, including shapes such as "Golden Swirl," Candolier" and the distinctive "Pagoda." Their light bulb reproduction featuring a carbon filament for a truly antique quality of light sells for around $25. The FerroWatt company specializes in Edison reproduction bulbs of different eras, each complete with exhaust tip, with prices starting at $10. A third manufacturer of antique light bulbs, Bulbrite, produces moderately priced Edison and Victorian-style bulbs.
Many antique lighting fixtures, some of which have been converted from their original gas to electric, are the perfect vessel for antique reproduction light bulbs. Whether you are decorating around a Victorian theme or a turn-of-the 19th century American theme, installing light bulbs which add to the period decor is a small touch but a charming one.