It was common practice for retailers to put up a
display of Christmas light sets lit up in their boxes for customers.
I am continuing that tradition here.
Here are some of the General Electric Christmas light
sets and bulbs shown lit up.
For best viewing enjoyment, turn down the room lights
Skip to Merry Midget Sets.
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Flasher bulbs, or twinkle bulbs, are used to create the
effect of animation in holiday displays.
They make use of a bi-metal strip, which is made of 2 different metals
bonded together, for their flashing action.
When heated the strip bends, due to different expansion rates of the 2 metals.
The strip then moves away from a contact, and the bulb goes out.
When the strip cools and moves back to the contact, the bulb lights again and
the cycle repeats.
General Electric Glow Bright classic.
These bulbs date to the 1960's and had a glazed ceramic-like coating that would
never chip or fade.
They were made in the Good-old U.S.A. Look carefully and you
can see the G.E. logo at the bottom.
Unfortunately, they also got very hot !
The
bulbs were not suited for artificial trees, or the tiny grasping hands of youngsters
for that matter. OUCH!
G. E. Glow Bright enerGE saver.
These Bulbs date to 1977, which was at the height of the U.S. energy crisis.
They
had a painted coating that was more efficient - it allowed the same brightness,
but
using only 5 watts for C-7 and 7 watts for C-9. They were made in the U.S.A.
General Electric Satin Bright #D36.
These Bulbs had a Metallic appearance which was unique
- they really did "Shine even when they're off" as their ad said.
When lit, the bulbs
appeared
slightly transparent. Unfortunately it's difficult to capture this effect on film.
General Electric Lighted Ice
These are candelabra base G50 globe bulbs with
plastic ice crystals on them. They look like lighted snowballs.
General
Electric Stardust bulbs.
These are the same shape as candelabra base torpedo
chandelier bulbs, with a glitter finish.
G.E. Merry Midget set from the 1980s
This set was very popular and had the standard wedge base. It was packaged in a foam tray.
G.E. Merry Midget set from the 1960s
This set used a bi pin base that was unique to General Electric and was packaged in a paperboard box.
G.E. Colonial Lights Miniature 12 Light set, Model COL-2-12, from the 1960s.
G.E. Lantern Lights Miniature 12 Light set, Model LTL-2-12, from the 1960s.
G.E. Candle Bright set from the 1960s
Model CL2-12, made in Japan. The sockets were
hidden in the candles while the bulbs were the flames.
G.E. Tinsel Light set.
From the 1970s energy crunch era. Part of the
EnerGE saver line,
it was a way to add color without using a lot of electricity.