This vintage amusement park flashing light is a unique wall mounted light fixture. Typically these were full round spheres or ball shaped lights that were mounted on rides or attractions. Most used a variety of colored light bulbs and contained a flasher mechanism mounted inside. Occasionally the light bulbs were replaced with long tubular light bulbs. These were sometimes referred to as sputnik lamps, after the Russian Sputnik 1 satellite, which was launched in 1957.
This light fixtures half round shape looks like it was made from fiberglass and has a ruff textured surface, which can be seen in the photos. The back of the fixture is a metal or steel disc, which encloses the light fixture and allows for wall mounting. The light is in working order and has an internal flasher mechanism, all which appears to be original. There is one socket that is currently not working.
These vintage amusement park and carnival artifacts are hard to find nowadays. Those of us old enough to have seen these in person, can remember the excitement visitors had when seeing all the bright flashing lights, colorful neon and exciting rides and attractions.
This light fixture is being sold as is and does not include light bulbs.
MAKER: Unknown
PERIOD: 1950’s
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
MATERIALS: Fiberglass and steel
HEIGHT: 12 in. (30 cm)
DIAMETER: 26.5 in. (67 cm)
CONDITION: Very nice condition with wear and finish consistent with age and use. The light is in working order and has an internal flash mechanism that also works. There is one socket that is currently not working. A video showing the light flashing in our gallery is available upon request.
