Lowglow
Newly Enlightened
Back in the 1930's, manufacturer Goltone made a simple and rather handsome little light called Duchess. I occasionally see them for sale on street markets and on eBay. I picked up this one with original bulb for £2.50. I've not seen it mentioned here so putting that right.
It is simple bakelite with a typical 30's sunburst front and rear. No reflector but the opal backed bulb has its own built-in rudimentary one. Inside is just pretty much empty space. I have no idea what battery fits it but I added a lithium rechargeable one running through a regulator. The bulb has a 'true' rating of 2.2V so that's what I set the regulator too.
I used small clamps to connect the electronics. The switch is basic but with the regulator, no flickering is visible at the bulb.
The bulb is one of the very old fashioned S filament type. Looking online I see these lights were also available with a BLUE bulb! I wonder what the purpose of that was...
So how does it perform? Well it's actually very useful. Soft even light, useful brightness, stands on its own side or base and ideal for walking in dark spots or checking on the chickens. No hot-spot of course.
So if you see one in your travels don't dismiss them as worthless. They definitely are not. You may even find you use it day to day and the shape and form are refreshing - and pleasant to hold.
Hope you enjoyed.
It is simple bakelite with a typical 30's sunburst front and rear. No reflector but the opal backed bulb has its own built-in rudimentary one. Inside is just pretty much empty space. I have no idea what battery fits it but I added a lithium rechargeable one running through a regulator. The bulb has a 'true' rating of 2.2V so that's what I set the regulator too.
I used small clamps to connect the electronics. The switch is basic but with the regulator, no flickering is visible at the bulb.
The bulb is one of the very old fashioned S filament type. Looking online I see these lights were also available with a BLUE bulb! I wonder what the purpose of that was...
So how does it perform? Well it's actually very useful. Soft even light, useful brightness, stands on its own side or base and ideal for walking in dark spots or checking on the chickens. No hot-spot of course.
So if you see one in your travels don't dismiss them as worthless. They definitely are not. You may even find you use it day to day and the shape and form are refreshing - and pleasant to hold.
Hope you enjoyed.
. I work under the mantra (when working on vintage lights) that I don't do anything permanent or that could risk damaging it. So no direct soldering or grinding bits out. Getting an old light working again is really satisfying.
