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BULB DISCUSSION BOARDS => Antique Bulb Discussion => Topic started by: jjonns on May 31, 2009, 04:34:33 pm

Title: Kingston Vacuum Bulb
Post by: jjonns on May 31, 2009, 04:34:33 pm

I recently purchased a 1930's era portable beverage bar cabinet that was made in England. The cabinet includes a light fixture to illuminate it when opened. I would like to restore the fixture to working condition but really don't know much about bulbs and fixtures.

The bulb looks like a fluorescent tube but I think it's an incandescent vacuum tube. The markings on the tube say "Kingston", "Made In England", and "Vacuum" in a circular pattern. There is a wattage but it's blurred and I can't read it. Also, the tube is pink in color. Any help identifying it would be great.

The fixture looks like it was internally powered as it was wired from the switch in the front of the cabinet to the fixture in the back of cabinet. The wiring makes a complete circuit along the entire circumference of the cabinet. Now, unfortunately, there is a section of wiring missing which may have included a power source. There doesn't appear to be any other power source for the fixture.

Any help identifying the bulb or the fixture would be appreciated.

Title: Re: Kingston Vacuum Bulb
Post by: Tim on June 16, 2009, 03:15:00 am

Hi - please post a photo of the bulb here if possible.  It doesn't sound familiar to me from the description, but others might recognize it from a photo.

Title: Re: Kingston Vacuum Bulb
Post by: jjonns on June 29, 2009, 09:26:27 am

Here's a couple of pictures. Thanks for your help.

Title: Re: Kingston Vacuum Bulb
Post by: Tim on June 29, 2009, 01:36:56 pm

Thanks for posting the pictures.  This thread might provide you with more information or possible source for a similar bulb:

http://bulbcollector.com/forum/index.php?topic=1215.0

Finding a new replacement bulb in this finish and color will probably be next to impossible unfortunately, but perhaps you can at least be able to find a bulb to fit the fixture.  I've only seen modern bulbs in white or clear.  As the other thread mentions, I think you're looking for a "Linolite" type bulb.  And yes - this is an incandescent lamp as opposed to a fluorescent lamp.

Title: Re: Kingston Vacuum Bulb
Post by: jjonns on June 29, 2009, 01:49:01 pm

Thanks, Tim.

Title: Re: Kingston Vacuum Bulb
Post by: gnildir1 on July 03, 2009, 05:25:06 pm

here's  a company in France that sells them, but this one is 12 inches.

http://www.conrad.fr/tubes_en_linolite_depoli_p_19103_19107_225506

-Aaron