Ahura Mazda--The God of Light

At the turn of the century bare bulbs were common, particularly in the homes of the wealthy, hanging from long silk cords, in sconces, "beam lights", and ceiling fixtures. Bulbs weren't frosted yet either, not until 1925. No, the filament was to be admired, its dim warmness revered.

By 1903, a metal-coated carbon filament had even been introduced, that resisted darkening.






Reproductions of early Edison (long necked) bulbs, minus the bamboo filament, are available on-line and through sources like Rejuvenation. Gosh they're fun, and really who needs more than seven watts anyway?



A final note: in the early days of electric lighting, especially before standardization, bulbs would often be "renewed" after they burnt out. A bulb would be cut open, a new filament assembly installed, and re-vacuum sealed.

Zap!