Hi Tim!
Perhaps could be a way to get the bulb's neck better hold because its excessive lenght?,(the adhesive cement could be "cooked" due to the high temperature, leaving the whole lamp literally hanging of the base).
In fact, when the glass expand and contracts it would be broken by a stiff metalic ring surrounding it; so, the "clip" as you call it, allow the neck could expand without any damage risk to the glass walls avoiding the lamp "dismantling" as well.
Please don't take this as a truth, its only my own theory.
Best regards,
M. Gonz?lez.
P.S.
I've received your email, please check your incoming folder to look for my reply.
[This message has been edited by M?nico Gonz?lez (edited February 06, 2004).]
