Paper Horseshoe Filament Lamp Used at New Year's Eve Demonstration of the Edison Lighting System, 1879
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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.
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
Incandescent lamp (Lighting device component)
Date Made
1879
Subject Date
31 December 1879
Creators
Edison, Thomas A. (Thomas Alva), 1847-1931
Place of Creation
United States, New Jersey, Edison, Menlo Park
Creator Notes
Made by Thomas A. Edison at Menlo Park, New Jersey.
Keywords
Incandescent lamps (Lighting device components)
Hammer, William Joseph, 1858-1934
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
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.
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