1912 Benjamin Spotlight (**pics**)

[Boyd]

My wife bought this off of Craigslist for me as a Christmas gift. I was curious if anyone here knew anything about it or the lightbulb (appears to be original) that came with it.

It was made by Benjamin (best known for the porcelain garage/gas station lights).

Here you can see a patent date of 4-23-1912

A picture of the cord (which needs to be replaced)

The bulb. Made by RAY-VIO (?)

Looks like a handwritten serial or model number on the filament base.

 

[Boyd]

So my questions would be - where can I find cloth covered lamp cord and would it be ok to test the bulb? I only ask because I know some people collect bulbs and the rare ones go for crazy prices. This one may not be worth anything but it looks old enough that it could be. I googled RAY-VIO and couldn't find anything on the name.

 

[Trucky]

Boyd I tell you what, I don't know anything about that ****** of a piece you have right there but it's the coolest thing I've seen in a while. I had no idea people actually collected old lightbulbs.. I tend to break them or throw them away. You can probably find the cord online, though it won't be too easy. Maybe someone who makes "vintage style" lighting apperatus things would know? Perhaps a quick email to a few companies is in order.

Sure wish my Craigslist section had anything but old rusted out 90s Rangers and shotguns for sale.

 

[Boyd]

Thanks! I think it's pretty cool myself. I plan on getting it working, polishing up the reflector, and using it from time to time. It's amazing how "solid" it feels when holding it.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Somebody, I think it was here on GJ, posted recently about new cloth cords sold for restoration purposes. Do some google searches, you will find something.

Charles

 

[PECVD2]

Boyd,

Try this link for info and they may know where to find light bulb info for you. They certainly can set you up with the electrical cord you are looking for.

http://www.vintagefans.com/services.htm

 

[Plombob]

I think I have a short piece of NOS cloth wire. How long a piece do you want?

That bulb is the coolest one I've ever seen! Definitely hand made.

 

[PECVD2]

Boyd,
Beautiful lamp.

Try this link for info and they may know where to find light bulb info for you. They certainly can set you up with the electrical cord you are looking for.

http://www.vintagefans.com/services.htm

 

[luvit]

try a dimmer knob on low, crank it up slowly so you see some light and turn it off.
would that be safe for the bulb and you can say the bulb was tested?

 

[PsRumors]

Get your cloth covered wire from SunDial, http://www.sundialwire.com/.

The 1912 is the patent date. Probably late teens is the actual date.

GREAT looking light.

 

[PsRumors]

I love old bulbs

Light with a dimmer just as luvit describes

 

[PsRumors]

Here was one on e-bay but not with the correct bulb

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BENJAMIN-MA...795?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a147c92cb

 

[Boyd]

Thanks, all, for the info.

Get your cloth covered wire from SunDial, http://www.sundialwire.com/.

The 1912 is the patent date. Probably late teens is the actual date.

GREAT looking light.

Yea, I thought that may be the case with the date. I just like saying "1912".

 

[PsRumors]

That is a GREAT looking bulb...the more I look at it the more I like it. I know you wont but if you were to decide to sell....

 

[paul cislini]

Cloth covered lamp cord should be available at most large lighting stores. I've been buying it for years at a local independent retailer. Most large stores have a repair department...that's where it will be.