Thomas Edison Replica 1890 Light Bulb

Sometimes I wonder how Thomas Edison got to be such a big deal.

To explain: I'm not an exclusively green shopper. I don't faithfully buy local. But I am adamant about spending my money on period appropriate purchases.

Not this period, of course. Not 2014. No way. I'm dedicated to buying goods made from the period of 1890 to, say, 1955. If I can't find what I want from that era, I'll buy a reproduction. I have an oak ice box made in the 1890s, for example. What does one do with an oak ice box made in the 1890s? I'm working on that.

For years I have faithfully purchased the Thomas Edison Replica 1890 Light Bulb from the Rejuvenation website for the living room and dining room chandeliers. They are distinguishable from the 1893 Victorian Bulb by the carbon filament: The 1890 version has a single, looped filament. The 1893 model has a double-looped filament. I like the single looped because, when illuminated, the filament looks like an orange hoop earring inside glass case. Like the chandeliers are wearing jewelry. Cute!

But here's the thing: The bulbs emit almost no light. To see anything in my living room and dining room when the chandeliers are lit up, you have to turn on at least four table lamps. And then go find a flashlight.

The bulbs cost $18 each. The beautiful thin filaments break with alarming regularity. They must be dusted.

What was Thomas Edison thinking? One, the bulbs are clearly too expensive. Who pays $18 for a light bulb? Two, they don't fulfill the main purpose of a light bulb, which is to stop dark from happening.

Anyway, he also invented the phonograph and the motion picture. Those are big deals, right?

I mean, the  iPod is clearly better. And HD, c'mon.

But still.