Paper Horseshoe Filament Lamp Used at New Year's Eve Demonstration of the Edison Lighting System, 1879

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Artifact Overview

Thomas Edison created the first practical incandescent lamp in October 1879. As the news spread the public clamored to view this achievement. On New Year's Eve, thousands streamed into Menlo Park to see the first public display of Edison's electric light. Dozens of lights, like this surviving example, lit up the homes, buildings and streets around Menlo Park and Edison's laboratory.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Incandescent lamp (Lighting device component)

Date Made

1879

Subject Date

31 December 1879

Creator Notes

Made by Thomas A. Edison at Menlo Park, New Jersey.

Location

On Loan - Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum

Object ID

29.1980.529.194

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Edison Pioneers.

Material

Wood (Plant material)
Lead (Metal)
Glass (Material)
Brass (Alloy)
Platinum (Metal)
Copper (Metal)
Carbon

Dimensions

Width: 3.938 in
Height: 7.5 in

Inscriptions

MARKINGS ON LAMP (hand-written self-adhesive label): This lamp was made in 1879. Presented by Mr. Edison Jan 2, 1888 New York.
Paper Horseshoe Filament Lamp Used at New Year's Eve Demonstration of the Edison Lighting System, 1879