Bulb, Light

Object number2010.20.1

Date1893

MediumGlass; metal; wood

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

DescriptionColorless glass light bulb. Base has two metal prongs with a small wood block in the center. Paper label adhered to lower end of bulb.Dimensions5.625 x 2.5 x 7.5 in. (14.3 x 6.4 x 19.1 cm)
MarksPaper label adhered to lower end of bulb: black print, "16 WESTI...SE / STOP. ... / C.P. LAMP."
Historical NotesGeorge Westinghouse bested his rival Thomas Edison and won the contract to provide the incandescent bulbs that lit the 1893 World's Fair, showcasing the wonders of electric light to the millions who visited. He could not use Edison's patented lamp so he had to quickly develop a new lamp using the Sawyer-Man patent that he owned. This lamp is the result of that effort. Although not as effecient as the Edison lamp it worked well enough to get Westinghouse through the Fair.

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