I have a 1953 coronation lightbulb. I would really like to know how to test it. It has an english fitting. I last tested it in England about ten years ago, it woked beautifully then. Could anyone help me?
A lovely item! These were made in two versions, for burning cap down, like yours, or cap up, with the innards inverted.
What you need in simplest form is a E27 (American medium screw) to B22d (British bayonet cap) adaptor. These can be readily found on eBay - try item no. 330742708753
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330742708753?var=540065879439&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 as an example, the seller will ship to USA. If you're lucky, that's all you'll need if your lamp will strike on 120 volts. It won't be as bright as on 240 volts, and may take longer for the glow to spread all over the electrodes. (This can happen to a neon glow lamp which has been unused for a long period.) If you're unlucky, and the lamp doesn't strike, you'll need to find a source of 200 - 240 volts ac. Please be very careful if using the 240 volt supply for high power appliances in your house. Make sure the insulation on any wiring you use is suitable for the higher voltage. Most of the rest of the world uses ~230 volts for everything ,so we're used to it... Good luck! Hve fun!