Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.031 |
Object Name |
Insulator |
Title |
Appleton White Porcelain Lamp Socket |
Description |
This is a white oval-shaped lamp socket with two holes located on opposite sides at the top of the oval. There are two inscriptions on the top: the first, located at the top, reads "APPLETON FORM 35," and the second, at the bottom, reads "UL. 660W-600V," with the "UL" surrounded by a circle. A raised cylinder is situated near the center of the top of the oval, with the top of the cylinder open, revealing the inside of the socket. Two holes are present at the bottom of the cylinder. The bottom of the main oval has a raised oval shape, with an inscription in the center reading "10028." There are four holes in the main oval, with some areas around the holes elevated. Accompanying the item is a note that reads: "VITREOUS ELECTRICAL INSULATING PORCELAIN. THIS illustrates a railway signal base of 'Nu Blac' body and glazed black. This material was developed in order to meet an increasing demand for a material that could take a good uniform black glaze and have high dielectric and mechanical strength. Many manufacturers are now substituting this material for others because it does not show discolorations due to handling in assembly. This material can be molded as easily as our regular white electrical porcelain. Manufactured by THE STAR PORCELAIN COMPANY. TRENTON, NEW JERSEY. Established 1899." Although the note references a specific porcelain material, this item does not appear to be the same piece discussed in the note. According to the Potteries of Trenton Society and D.V. Abramson and T. Karschner's book An Inventory of Historical Engineering and Industrial Sites, Trenton, New Jersey, The Star Porcelain Company operated in Trenton, New Jersey from 1900 to 2002. The company was known for its specialized manufacturing of electrical porcelain, which led to rapid growth during its first two decades. By the late 1970s, they were still producing electrical porcelain before eventually ceasing operations. According to Reliance Potteries, porcelain insulators are crucial for power transmission systems. Their primary function is to prevent electrical current from leaking or short-circuiting, as porcelain is a non-conductive material. Some advantages of porcelain insulators include their ability to withstand both high and low temperatures, minimal environmental impact when disposed of, and their superior electrical strength compared to polymer insulators. Given these benefits, porcelain insulators remain a reliable choice for distributing electricity safely across power systems. According to JAMES: Custom Lamp Holder Accessories Manufacturer, porcelain lamp sockets are used in light fixtures to provide heat resistance between the electrical wiring and the light bulb itself. Citations: Abramson, D.V. and T. Karschner. 1978. An Inventory of Historical Engineering and Industrial Sites, Trenton, New Jersey. On file, New Jersey Historic Preservation Office (NJDEP), Trenton, New Jersey. Star Porcelain Company. Potteries of Trenton Society. (n.d.-c). https://potteriesoftrentonsociety.org/research/records/star-porcelain-company-2/ What are the advantages of using porcelain insulators?. Reliance Potteries. (2022, July 15). https://www.reliancepotteries.com/what-are-the-advantages-of-using-porcelain-insulators/ What is a porcelain lamp socket? - china light bulb socket. China light bulb socket - light bulb socket with UL. (2023, August 8). https://lightbulbsocket.com/what-is-a-porcelain-lamp-socket.html |
Year Range from |
1900 |
Year Range to |
2002 |
Material |
Ceramic |
Artist |
Star Porcelain Company (Probable) |
Height (in) |
1.750 |
Length (in) |
4.500 |
Width (in) |
1.500 |
Condition |
Okay |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Cracks, discolorations, and accretions throughout. Front: There is a crack on the bottom near the middle. Also, there is a blue discoloration on the bottom near the right side. Right Side: There is nothing of note. Back: There is a scratch on the bottom near the middle. There is a blue discoloration on the bottom near the left side. And finally, there are black accretions on the bottom near the left side. Left Side: There is nothing of note. Top: There is a blue discoloration on the inside of the cylinder. Bottom: There are black accretions all over. |
Inscription Type |
Manufacturer's Mark |
Inscription Location |
Top, Top to Bottom, Left to Right |
Inscription Technique |
Embossed |
Inscription Text |
"APPLETON" Line 1 "FORMS 35" Line 2 "UL" Line 3 "660W-600V" Line 4 |
Classification |
Business & Commerce Electricity |
Subjects |
Ceramic industry Light fixtures Light bulbs Light Lighting industry Lighting Electricity Electrical apparatus industry Electric lighting |
Search Terms |
White Cylinder Watts Volts 660 W 600 V Appleton Form 35 Lamp Socket Electricity Electrical Porcelain Ceramic Light Light Bulb Star Porcelain Company Trenton 1900 2002 19th Century 20th Century 21st Century Appleton White Porcelain Lamp Socket |
Provenance |
Found in collection |