Specialty Light Bulb Appraisal

Aerolux-Style Figural Neon Glow Discharge Light Bulb

This is a vintage figural neon glow discharge light bulb, likely manufactured by the Aerolux Light Corporation or a contemporary rival such as Birdseye or Duro-Test, dating from the mid-20th century (circa 1930s-1970s). The bulb features a spherical clear glass envelope containing a sculptural metal filament assembly shaped like a bouquet of flowers, including two distinct blossoms with leaves on a stem. The internal electrodes are likely coated with phosphors that would glow in specific colors (typically pink, orange, or green) when ionized by neon or argon gas inside the bulb. The base is a standard brass Edison screw-type (E26). The glass surface appears clean without significant internal scorching, which often occurs with heavy use. The brass base shows a natural aged patina and slight oxidation consistent with age. These bulbs are valued for their decorative mid-century aesthetic and the unique way they use ionized gas to illuminate specific shapes rather than a standard thin wire filament. The craftsmanship is high, requiring precise assembly of the internal metal figures within the vacuum-sealed glass housing.