Expert Guide How To Identify Antique Light Bulbs And Illuminate Your Vintage Collection

Antique incandescent bulbs are time capsules of electrical and industrial design. For appraisers and collectors, the details that separate an 1890s carbon lamp from a 1930s coiled-tungsten—or a modern reproduction—are legible once you know where to look. This guide gives you the practical, evidence-based methods to identify, date, test, and display antique light bulbs while preserving both value and safety.

The timeline at a glance: 1879–1950 and what survived

• 1879–mid‑1890s: Early carbon filament bulbs

  • Filament: carbonized bamboo or cellulose, matte black/gray, relatively thick.
  • Envelope: clear glass, typically with a visible “tip” (exhaust nipple) at the crown.
  • Base: heavy brass Edison screw in the U.S. (E26), bayonet in some regions.
  • Markings: hand or acid-etched script, patent references.

• Mid‑1890s–1909: Mature carbon filament, “squirrel cage”

  • Filament formed into multiple vertical loops around a cage or support ring.
  • Still vacuum “tipped”; wattages modest, warm amber light.
  • Household voltages often marked 100–110 V in the U.S.

• 1905–1911: Tantalum filament (mostly European)

  • Transitional metal filament by AEG/Osram; rarer in the U.S.
  • Filament: gray metallic wire, not coiled; long zig-zag/serpentine paths.
  • Superseded by ductile tungsten.

• 1907–1913: Early tungsten

  • 1910 Coolidge process produced drawn, ductile tungsten wire.
  • Filament initially straight or lightly wound; then single-coil appears.
  • 1909–1945 “MAZDA” trademark in the U.S. generally indicates tungsten.

• 1913–late 1920s: Gas-filled tungsten

  • Nitrogen/argon filling allowed coiled filaments and higher efficacy.
  • Look for mica support discs and multiple support posts to control filament flutter.
  • Tipless construction becomes common by the late 1910s–1920s.

• Mid‑1920s–1940s: Inside-frosted and coiled-coil

  • Inside-frosted bulbs popularized around 1925; smoother, durable frosting.
  • Double-coil filaments (coiled-coil) widespread by the 1930s.
  • Household voltages shift to 115 V, then 120 V markings in the U.S.

Understanding this progression helps narrow date ranges quickly. Specialty lamps (theatrical globes, sign lamps, decorative silhouettes) complicate the picture but still follow similar technology cues.

Anatomy tells the story: filament, glass, base, supports

• Filament

  • Carbon: dull, thicker strands; often multiple vertical loops (“squirrel cage”) tied to a glass or metal support ring; no coiling.
  • Tantalum: slender metallic wire, not coiled; long serpentine runs; often German or Austrian makers.
  • Tungsten: shiny metallic; early examples straight or lightly helical; later single-coil and by the 1930s coiled-coil for household lamps.

• Glass envelope

  • “Tipped” bulbs show a small nipple at the crown where the air was evacuated; common pre‑1920s.
  • “Tipless” bulbs (exhausted through the stem/base) dominate from the late 1910s onward.
  • Clear glass is most common early; opal and inside-frosted appear in the 1920s.
  • Larger envelopes correlate with gas-filled tungsten bulbs (helps reduce blackening and manage heat).

• Supports and stem

  • Carbon bulbs often have simple stem mounts and a top ring or cage; typically no top mica disc.
  • Gas-filled tungsten lamps usually include one or more mica discs and multiple vertical support wires to steady the coiled filament.
  • Look for tiny glass “buttons” and welded joints that can indicate manufacturing sophistication and era.

• Base

  • Edison screw sizes (U.S.): E12 candelabra, E26 medium, E39 mogul; Europe: E14/E27; Bayonet (B22d) is standard in the UK/Commonwealth.
  • Early shells are heavy brass; nickel-plated shells become more common later.
  • The insulating button at the base tip is typically fiber/ceramic in antiques; modern reproductions often use bright white synthetic insulators and epoxy cements.
  • Paper labels around the base skirt, when present, are strong date/brand clues—do not attempt to clean aggressively.

• Markings

  • Acid-etched logos and watt/volt data on the glass are period-typical; script and simple emblems earlier, block letters later.
  • “MAZDA” on U.S. bulbs: tungsten and broadly 1909–1945.
  • “110 V” suggests pre‑1930s U.S. manufacture; “115 V” transitional; “120 V” is later. Not absolute, but consistent with other cues.
  • Patent numbers, factory codes, and city names can anchor a production window.

Carbon, tantalum, tungsten: visual ID and dating cues

• Carbon filament (collectible and earlier)

  • Tell-tale look: vertical straight or looped black filaments arranged around a ring—the classic “squirrel cage.”
  • Crown tip nearly universal.
  • Few support points; minimal top mica.
  • Light output lower; rated in candlepower on some early bulbs (e.g., “16 CP”) instead of or in addition to wattage.

• Tantalum filament (specialized and scarce)

  • Most often European, c. 1905–1911.
  • Filament: non-coiled metallic wire with long serpentine path; appears more refined than carbon but not shiny-coiled like tungsten.
  • Often etched with “OSRAM” or “TANTAL.”
  • Typically vacuum lamps; no top mica disk typical of gas-filled tungsten.

• Early tungsten (transition to modern efficiency)

  • Pre‑1913: vacuum, straight or lightly wound tungsten; small envelopes common.
  • 1909+ “MAZDA” mark used in the U.S. for tungsten quality standard.
  • Post‑1913 gas-filled: presence of one or more mica discs and clearly coiled filaments indicate mid‑1910s onward.
  • Coiled-coil filaments and inside frost suggest 1930s or later pre‑war production.

• Shapes and designations you’ll see

  • A-shape (“pear”) for general service; A19/A21 by U.S. sizing.
  • ST (“shouldered tubular,” e.g., ST16/ST18) common in early decorative and sign uses.
  • T (“tubular”), G (“globe”), and specialty flame/figural bulbs appear across eras; identify by filament and construction details rather than shape alone.

• Reproductions vs. originals

  • Modern “Edison-style” reproductions may add a decorative tip but often have:
    • Bright lacquered brass or plated steel bases with crisp machine crimps.
    • Modern compliance marks (CE, UL) and dense fine print on the base or neck.
    • Epoxy-gray cements rather than chalky white/old plaster-like cements.
    • Perfectly uniform filament patterns; sometimes “too pretty” compared to the slightly irregular hand-work of antiques.
  • LED “Edison” bulbs are easy to spot: yellow “filament” strips, driver components at the base, and cool-running operation.
  • Price and provenance matter: genuine pre‑1915 carbon bulbs are scarce in unused condition with intact etches and original boxes.

Marks, voltages, and bases: reading the clues

• Logos and etches

  • Scripted maker names (Edison, Thomson-Houston, Westinghouse, Osram) with minimal data lean earlier.
  • Bold block type, model numbers, and standardized watt/volt align with later mass production.
  • “MAZDA” implies tungsten and an American licensing program (1909–1945). Not used in the same way in Europe.

• Volts and watts

  • U.S. markings:
    • 100–110 V: common pre‑1930s household.
    • 115 V: 1910s–1920s transitional.
    • 120 V: 1930s onward.
  • Candlepower (CP) ratings show up on carbon lamps and some early tungsten; wattage becomes dominant by the 1910s.
  • Specialty low-voltage bulbs (e.g., 30 V signs) stayed in production for decades—don’t rely on voltage alone; cross-check with filament and construction.

• Base types and regions

  • E26 (U.S.) vs. E27 (Europe) medium Edison screw; thread differences are small but measurable.
  • B22d bayonet common in UK/Commonwealth; earlier UK carbon lamps often have bayonet bases with robust brass shells and porcelain-tipped contacts.
  • Mogul (E39/E40) appears on street, arc-lamp replacements, and large industrial lamps—often later but can host early technologies in specialty uses.

• Patents and boxes

  • Patent dates provide “no earlier than” anchors; original cartons with graphics and period pricing can add both dating evidence and value.
  • Retain any base labels or paper collars; they’re often the first things lost and are highly informative.

Testing, handling, and display: preserve function and value

• Inspection first

  • Hold to strong side light: look for intact filaments, broken supports, or loose mica discs.
  • A crown tip alone does not prove age; combine with filament and support evidence.
  • Blackening on the glass near the filament is normal in used vacuum bulbs; heavy gray haze can signal a leaky bulb.

• Continuity and resistance

  • Use a multimeter on the lowest resistance range to check continuity between base shell and center contact(s).
  • Carbon filaments typically measure higher cold resistance relative to their wattage than tungsten, but absolute readings vary—use this as a supporting, not primary, indicator.
  • Never apply full mains power to an unknown, rare lamp first.

• Powering safely

  • Bring up voltage slowly with a variable transformer (Variac) or a quality incandescent dimmer.
  • For U.S. antiques marked 100–110 V, operate at 80–90% of modern 120 V to reduce stress and extend life.
  • Ensure the socket and wiring are sound; early fixtures may contain brittle rubber or heat-damaged insulation.

• Handling and cleaning

  • Handle by the base, not the glass; avoid twisting against the glass-metal cement.
  • Do not polish away etches or paper labels. Dust with a soft brush; a barely damp microfiber on glass only if necessary.
  • Avoid solvents near the cemented stem/base junction.

• Display and storage

  • Display upright in ventilated fixtures; heat is the enemy of longevity.
  • Store in acid-free boxes with padding; keep bulbs from touching each other.
  • Keep original boxes and inserts with the bulb—even if worn.

Value drivers and common pitfalls

• What increases value

  • Early carbon lamps with “squirrel cage” filaments, especially branded and boxed.
  • Tantalum filament bulbs (European) due to short production span.
  • Early tungsten transition pieces, unusual shapes (ST, globes), figural and advertising bulbs.
  • Documented provenance, intact etches, crown tips in excellent condition, and correct period bases.

• What depresses value

  • Reproduction “Edison” bulbs, even if attractive, have modest value.
  • Polished-away etches or overcleaned bases.
  • Cracked stems, missing support micas, rattling internals.
  • Incorrect pairings (e.g., antique bulb forced into a modern distressed socket for “look”).

• Common mistakes

  • Dating solely by the presence of a tip.
  • Powering a rare bulb at full line voltage on first test.
  • Assuming all “Mazda” lamps are pre‑1920—remember the mark extends into the 1940s.
  • Ignoring regional base standards when attributing origin.

Field checklist: quick ID in 60 seconds

• Crown tip present? If yes, likely pre‑mid‑1920s; confirm with filament style.
• Filament type:
  • Matte black, multi-loop cage = carbon (1890s–1909+).
  • Non-coiled metallic serpentine, often European = tantalum (c. 1905–1911).
  • Shiny coiled wire with mica supports = tungsten (1913+ gas-filled).
• Supports: Top mica discs and multiple posts suggest gas-filled tungsten era.
• Markings: “MAZDA” (U.S.) indicates tungsten (1909–1945). “110 V” leans earlier U.S.; “120 V” later.
• Base: Heavy brass Edison screw (E26/E27) or bayonet (B22). Paper labels and fiber buttons are good antique signs.
• Repro red flags: CE/UL stamps, epoxy cement, perfect symmetry, yellow LED strips, overly bright base plating.

FAQ

Q: Does a top “tip” always mean the bulb is truly old? A: It’s a strong early cue—most pre‑1920s bulbs are tipped—but modern reproductions sometimes add decorative tips. Confirm with filament type, supports, etches, and base details.

Q: Can I run a 110 V antique bulb on today’s 120 V mains? A: Yes, but it will run hotter and fail sooner. Use a variable transformer or an incandescent-rated dimmer and operate at roughly 90% of line voltage to preserve life.

Q: Are carbon filament bulbs safe to use? A: When the bulb is intact and in a sound fixture, yes. They get very hot; keep clearances, avoid flammables, and ensure the socket insulation isn’t brittle or degraded.

Q: What does “MAZDA” mean on the etch? A: It’s a U.S. trademark used from 1909 into the 1940s to denote tungsten filament lamps meeting standardized quality. It’s a helpful dating clue but not a precise year marker.

Q: Should I polish the brass base to make it shine? A: No. Aggressive polishing can erase maker marks and patina that support authenticity and value. Light dusting and microcrystalline wax are preferable if conservation is necessary.

By reading the filament, supports, glass, base, and marks together—and testing thoughtfully—you can confidently distinguish a rare 1890s carbon “squirrel cage” from a 1930s coiled-coil tungsten or a modern look-alike. Treat antiques gently, power them conservatively, and document what you find. Your collection will look better, last longer, and appraise more accurately.