Vintage Light Bulbs - Any Info Please

[YakityVT]

We have 11 of these vintage light bulbs
We've researched but have been unable to learn any specific info about them.
We'd really appreciate any knowledge any of you can share.

How can we safely test to be sure these bulbs are still in working order?
Is there a trick to taking a good picture of the filament?

More photos can be viewed here:
http://yyakity.smugmug.com/gallery/6450718_8SNfq#408950626_CpZnA


Visually, the filaments look to be unbroken.
paper labels: v New Boston o.p
The pin base appears to be porcelain & brass.

[YakityVT]

   Hi
61 people have viewed this, but no one has commented yet... 

We are looking for any info please.

[Tim]

Here are some basic facts about your antique bulbs.  The base on each bulb is known as the Westinghouse type base.  Although it may look odd compared to bulbs of today, it was fairly common during the time these bulbs were manufactured (probably 1890s).  Collectors seek bulbs with non-standard bases and these bulbs fall under this category.  The original paper identifying labels are also a nice feature since the labels generally had a short life span.  I don?t recommend trying to light these bulbs unless you know what you?re doing.  If you do, then get a variac (variable transformer) so that you can gradually (read ?safely?) increase the voltage to the bulb just to point where the carbon filament glows.  The ?V? and ?CP? on the paper label are used to represent voltage and candlepower (unit of measure used before ?wattage?).  Often, handwritten numbers were placed here depending on how the bulb tested from the factory.  I don?t have data on the ?New Boston? brand name in front of me.  Perhaps someone else reading this does and can share.  Regarding value, you?ll find that it?s highly subjective and I won?t even get into it here.

Nice bulbs ? thanks for sharing the pictures.

[YakityVT]

Tim,
Thanks so much for sharing the info!

Can you please expand on how we can safely test these bulbs?
Or suggest a website that can explain how to safely test?
 
Upon closer inspection, some of the labels are marked in pencil: 100 V  16 OP

Why is it OP instead of CP? 

Regarding realizing best price, Do you suggest to list all 11 as one lot, or should we break them down individually, or smaller lots? 

We really appreciate you help!  Thanks again!