BulbCollector Forums

BULB DISCUSSION BOARDS => Antique Bulb Discussion => Topic started by: Gary R on January 09, 2007, 03:41:54 pm

Title: New Member and question
Post by: Gary R on January 09, 2007, 03:41:54 pm

Hello all,
I've been reading some of the threads here and this seems like a very nice board.

My name is Gary Rabbitt and my main hobby is restoring vontage tube radios. I do come across bulbs at swapmeets occasionaly along with old tubes. I have some original Mazda Xmas strings too in the box. Lamps, vacuum tubes, bulbs, it's all good :)

My main question it I am looking for information about a bulb, while not antique, was probably made in the late 60's. I have not seen one since then. I don't have the lamp/bulb handy right now to post a picture, however I will try to describe it.

This lamp in the shape of a 7up can had about a 3" baseball size bulb in it. 7up had just come out with the Uncola slogan, and designed this lamp for publicity I guess.
 The incandescent bulb was green color, probably dipped or painted, and had a small magnet inside mounted on a pin. Around the magnet the filament was draped over it.

Upon powering up the bulb, the filament would flip back and forth inside, creating a flicker effect. I still have the setup but the filament got broke in the '92 earthquake in Northridge, Ca. I have had this lamp since about 1977.

I have searched many sites and never found anything on this bulb. I'd like to get a replacement if anyone knows of some NOS ones or if there is a modern replacement.? The "flicker bulbs" i did find are not the same and use the neon to represent a flame.

The only things I have found recently are the lamps for sale.
(Blue bulb shown, mine has a green one)
(http://www.gasolinealleyantiques.com/images/Advertising%20Page/7up-can.jpg)
And on Epay
http://cgi.ebay.com/7-Up-Uncola-Can-Lamp-w-Flicker-Bulb_W0QQitemZ250049105007QQihZ015QQcategoryZ855QQcmdZViewItem

Does anyone know where I could get a bulb?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Take care,
Gary.

Title: Re: New Member and question
Post by: Tim on January 10, 2007, 09:54:12 am

Hi Gary,

Welcome to the forum!

These bulbs were a popular novelty during the 1970s and I have seen similar "can lamps" with the likeness of many different beer and soda brands.? The bulb in question is a product of Robert Kyp and was sold under the "Balafire" name.? Kyp patented this design for a carbon filament oscillating lamp in 1966.? The bulbs were made in both tubular envelopes and the large globe envelope as in the photo that you show.? I receive many requests for these bulbs and I usually point people to eBay.? As far as I know, they aren't being made anymore, but someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

This thread also discusses Kyp a bit more:

http://bulbcollector.com/forum/index.php?topic=561.0

Google shows two contact addresses for Kyp-Go today:

Kyp-Go Inc.
1551 Lakeside Dr
Deland, FL., 32720-3014?
Phone: 386-736-3770

&

Kyp-Go Inc.
526 Geneva Rd? ?
Glen Ellyn, IL., 60137-3784
Phone: 630-942-8181

Title: Re: New Member and question
Post by: Gary R on January 10, 2007, 11:18:12 pm

Hi Tim,
Thanks for the info on the bulb. I will keep an eye out on Ebay and my swapmeet and auction sales :)

I will check into the addresses listed, but I feel they may not manufacture these anymore.
Take care, and I will keep in touch in case I come across any unusual bulbs in the future.
This is a great forum!
Sincerelly, Gary "Rabbitt".