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Main image of skinflint's 1940s rodded airfield light by G.E.C
Reference 21_3423

1940s rodded airfield light by GEC

Era: 1940s Origin: UK

A rare 1940s British 'Double Obstruction' warning light by G.E.C, salvaged from an M.O.D. airfield. Converted for use as a ceiling light, this striking one-off features a fixed suspension rod, polished aluminium enclosure and manufacturer's markings. Red glass wells make this a true centrepiece, creating a warm glow when lit.

skinflint's 1940s rodded airfield light by G.E.C red glass
Detail image of skinflint's 1940s rodded airfield light by G.E.C
Detail image of skinflint's 1940s rodded airfield light by G.E.C
Detail image of skinflint's 1940s rodded airfield light by G.E.C
UK

Origin: UK

Lighting design in the UK benefitted from a free market. Different companies were working at the same time, designing and producing similar products for the same market. Often with only slight differences in their style, they constantly upgraded and improved their original designs. The products we salvage come from the old industrial heartland of England. This area of the UK was once the boiler room of the British economy - from the potteries of Stoke, through the engineering works of Birmingham, to the wool, textile and cotton mills of Oldham and Manchester.

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skinflint lighting restoration workshop

Restoration

Over the years, we’ve restored thousands of lights that would otherwise have been lost forever - meticulously examining, refurbishing and updating one part at a time. But we don’t only piece together the light’s components. We also take the time to investigate its history, studying our archive of old manufacturer’s catalogues for clues to assemble the whole story.

Manufacturer's catalogue

Found in our archive of original manufacturer's catalogues, the extract below (dated 1939) shows our 1940s rodded airfield warning light by G.E.C. in action.

Detail image of skinflint's 1940s rodded airfield light by G.E.C

Product details

Supplied with two new screw (E27) lamp holders. (If you would prefer an E26 lamp holder for use in the USA, please just ask)

Diameter:
Height:
Weight:
Length:
Width:
Colour:

180 (glass) mm
1160 mm
5.68 kg
n/a mm
480 mm
Silver | Red

Non-standard delivery. Supplied wired and tested to BS EN60598. IP20 for internal use only. All dimensions and weights are approximate.

G.E.C

Manufacturer: G.E.C

Established in London, in 1886 the General Electric Company were to become the largest electrical manufacturing organisation in the British Empire and lived up to their description of ‘Manufacturers of everything electrical’ throughout their 100 year history. During the mass industrialisation of the 1950s, GEC were often the supplier of choice for lighting the factories, workshops and mills of Britain with their huge range of light fixtures for every application.

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Lights for life

As well as offering a lifetime guarantee that includes repairs, our Full Circle buy-back scheme gives you the opportunity to trade-in your skinflint lights. It keeps vintage lights in use forever - helping you and our planet.

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Light Bulbs

Why we recommend using energy-saving LED light bulbs in all of our vintage lights.

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Applications

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Certifications

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B-Corp

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A quick word from our customers

Fantastic, so pleased

I have never received a more beautifully packaged item, the light itself is wonderful and we are very pleased. 

- Eleanor | Worcester | UK

Eastern Bloc Fluorescent LED

I've been admiring your lights for a while and the great work you guys do bringing them back to life... My Eastern Bloc LED light is now up and it's beautiful. Thanks for restoring such beautiful lights. 

- John | Kerry | Ireland

US shipment within days

Many thanks for your help. Paying customs was easy and arrival of shipment only took a few days. You made this transaction go so quickly and smoothly, I appreciate it.

- Leslie | Florida | US

Czech industrial pendants

The light works well because the industrial style and it complements the exposed brick walls and stone worktops in the kitchen.

- Charles | London | UK