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.
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.
View all lights from UKOver 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.
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.
Supplied with two new screw (E27) lamp holders. (If you would prefer an E26 lamp holder for use in the USA, please just ask)
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Diameter:
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180 (glass) mm |
Non-standard delivery. Supplied wired and tested to BS EN60598. IP20 for internal use only. All dimensions and weights are approximate.
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.
View all G.E.C LightsAs 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.
Trade in, get credit
Why we recommend using energy-saving LED light bulbs in all of our vintage lights.
Where our lights can be used internally and externally, including bathrooms and IP ratings.
Our UK Lighting Industry Association (LIA), British Standards and UL certifications.
I toyed with this light for ages before I bought it, thinking it was a lot of money. When I eventually ordered and received the light, I was not disappointed. I love this light, so heavy, chunky and in my eyes, gorgeous. It will look brilliant in my dining room, in my newly renovated farmhouse.
- Tina | Cheshire | UK
What a great little product, saves masses of time and cost rewiring. Will be back for more!
- Chris | Gloucester | UK
Great light. It looks very smart. I was initially worried that it might be slightly big for the room (we don't have high ceilings) but it looks great and I am really pleased with it.
- Carineh | Oxfordshire | UK
Thank you skinflint for allowing me to add character to my espresso bar and work desk space! And thanks as well for the fabulous customer service.
- Nicholas | Colorado | US
