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Rarest of the rare! Or I just have nver seen one!? Bulb holder #26!?

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  • Member since
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  • From: US
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Rarest of the rare! Or I just have nver seen one!? Bulb holder #26!?
Posted by TeddyB on Friday, December 18, 2009 8:18 PM

Hi ALL!

Well I've never seen one of these before. It has 14 volts, NO 26 on the lid. It has It has Lionels address on it, and a description of the exchange policy. It stands about 1 3/4 inch tall, and about 7/8 's around. Any one ever seen one of these?

Many thanks, Ted

 

  • Member since
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Posted by cwburfle on Saturday, December 19, 2009 6:07 AM

These containers date back to the days when miniature lamps were relatively expensive. One doesn't see these containers at every train show, There were two or three different sized containers, and an assortment of different bulbs packed in them. As your sample shows, the bulb number was rubber stamped on the top. They are most commonly found with the paper label removed.  

A sealed container would be rare. Finding a container with a good, clean, original bulb and label is somewhat difficult. There are some bulb styles that are more difficult to find than others. Off the top of my head, after finding any with the seal intact, finding large containers with early streetlamp bulbs would be most difficult.
Rare is a funny word. Some folks believe its the most overused word in the world of collecting. I don't use it often.

  • Member since
    July 2001
  • From: US
  • 143 posts
Posted by TeddyB on Saturday, December 19, 2009 8:03 AM

Hi !

Thanks for the info. Would it be Pre War then? Would you try to take a guess on its value? I can't find a value refrence anywhere!

Many thanks, Ted

  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Philadelphia
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Posted by PhilaKnight on Saturday, December 19, 2009 9:09 AM

Is that what they are. I had one without the label and had no idea it was that. I even forgot what I did with it or even where it came from. But it was in a box of trains I had.

  • Member since
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Posted by cwburfle on Saturday, December 19, 2009 9:52 AM

Your bulb container is certainly prewar. It's been awhile since I was actively looking at old bulbs, so I wouldn't hazard a guess as to the years. It's an older item.

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