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C6 Light Sets

Here are some of my C6 sets, you know the kind that were a pain because if one went out they all went out. Well for xmas light fantics like me that is half the fun. I have learned a trick though, when using this type of set I run the sets of lights through a dimmer. This steps down the voltage and causes them to burn cooler and last longer while giving you that nostalgic lovely glow.

In recent years GE has realized the appeal of their classic design and reintroduced modern minature strings with ornamental covers over the pointy mini bulbs to recreate the effect. It is my opinion that it just doesn't do. I see no reason that they can't build a parallel wired set in this size and shape with low wattage.

I believe the market would respond favorably. Are you listening G.E.?

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Here are some interesting C6 bulbs I just acquired. The ones with the paint missing on bottom are called "Detector" bulbs. (the top one is lit up the following one is unlit) They have a gas inside them that glows when they burn out. This was supposed to aid in the hunt for the "burned out bulb." The next two are color variations on an early decorative bulb which was frosted to white on the tip. They really are pretty, the effect is subtle and charming. The last bulb in this group is really odd. I have discovered that it is a "Hudson Bulb". Apparently very few of these were made. Thanks to all who helped me in identifying this "rara avis". The ridges are very deep and it has a capital letter H embossed into the design.
This is an early box of replacement C6 bulbs by the GE (Edison) company under the brand name of MAZDA.
Here are a few odd C6 light bulbs. Note that some are shaped like pine cones and two of them are early exhaust tip round bulbs. They have a small upward pointing filament inside them. The purplish one works the other doesn't. They really used some imagination with early designs of bulbs.
This is probably the oldest set I have. It has composite sockets, silk cloth cord, and carbon "tip" type balloon bulbs.
This set is by MONOWATT, an early brand.
This set is by PARAMOUNT. The graphics are good and the set is in nice condition.
Here are two nice old sets by PROPP, another earlier manufacturer
Here is one of the "Classic" NOMA early C6 Sets. This "story book" type box proved to be durable and an effective marketing tool. It later morphed into many forms.
Here is another early set by LUNAR
Here is a RELIANCE set. This set bears the eagle and the NRA (National Recovery Act) meaning that it was part of Roosevelt's "New Deal" where it was proudly proclaimed that "We do our part."
Here is another set by STAYLIGHT
Gosh, I miss Woolworths! When I was a kid my favorite place to go was Woolworths. I miss the lunch counter, the canaries for sale and especially the christmas decorations when the season came around. Wal-Mart just doesn't do it for me the same way Woolworths did. Here is a nice set from the 60's when they were still selling C6 sets of lights.
This next set is really neat. NOMA (the North American Outfit Manufactures Association), the merger of many companies who manufactured Christmas and decorative lighting in the early part of the twentieth century, came out with this interesting set. It was an attempt to recreate the old fashioned look of candles on the tree without the danger!
This interesting set is a very early straight line set by Propp. I know this as the unique connector bears the "One 4 all" slogan on the end cap which prevented shock and or electrocution should a finger or tinsel make its way into the device when no other set is connected to this one. These sets really made decorating easier as you could keep adding additional sets to the one hooked into the power source. Amazingly this old set still works! The composite sockets and bound silk cord date it to very early in the twentieth century (pre 1920).
These are ROYAL Bells. The idea was to achieve the "bell" effect a plastic shade was fitted over the light bulb. The bulb could be replaced when it burned out and the shade reused. This was an advantage over figural bell shaped bulbs. However sometimes the heat of the bulb caused the shade to melt. Isn't there always a compromise in life! This set is in quite good condition.
These are Candle Lights by Noma. These little hard plastic candles, in C6 size, were made by Noma in another attempt to have the glowing candle on the tree. However the flame tip usually bore the brunt of the heat of the bulb and became brittle and broke off. Needless to say they didn't sell that well. A good set in pristine condition is quite rare.
This is a nice old PROPP set with the bulbs shaped like pinecones. They exhibit the exhaust tip which is indicative of light bulbs of the early 20th century. Note also the stern old Santa on the box flap. I don't know if I would want to ask that Santa for anything! Part of the charm of old Christmas lights is the wonderful old advertising found on the boxes.