Auxiliary light in bakelite signed stesco, probably intended to be used in case of power failure or to move around in the dark like a traditional candle holder… but modernized.
Discovered in 1909 by the Belgian Leo Baekeland, bakelite was the first plastic material to be produced industrially: it revolutionized our daily lives by ushering in the plastic era. Light, resistant to heat and many chemicals, bakelite is an excellent electrical insulator, which was quickly adopted by the electrical construction industry. This new resin was also at the time the first thermosetting plastic, a property that was exploited for many industrial applications, notably for manufacturing radio and telephone casings, as well as jewelry and toys... Thanks to its lacquered appearance, it also became the ideal material for designing household appliances (source: https://plastic-lemag.com).
Description:
-
The central shaft imitates a candle but contains a metal rod, most likely a miniature bulb socket.
-
The brass system underneath is the rotary switch (with bi-blade contact or push button).
-
The side ring allowed the object to be carried on the finger, like an old candle holder.
-
The whole is made of marbled bakelite, which is typical of portable electrical objects between 1930 and 1950.
-
The English brand Stesco is known for producing bakelite accessories (lamps, alarm clocks, ashtrays, intercoms, etc.).
- Dimensions: diameter 13 cm, height 13 cm, weight 139 g.
A small screw-in bulb (E10 or E14 type) was probably inserted into the shaft, and the object was powered:
-
either by an integrated battery (housed in the base),
-
or more likely by a detachable power cable (perhaps missing today).
This is an electrified curiosity from another era, a retro-futuristic candle-lamp, perfect for a vintage or steampunk decor.
Free delivery in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Careful shipping.