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M.O.D factory light by Simplex
Reference 17_2868

M.O.D factory lights by Simplex

Era: 1940s Origin: UK

WWII munitions lights salvaged from a decommissioned M.O.D site in Worcestershire, UK. These beautifully manufactured timepieces, with finned enclosures, have been refurbished by hand, are complete with their original prismatic glass and feature cast manufacturers details on the bezel.

A trio of M.O.D factory lights by Simplex
The glass of a M.O.D factory light by Simplex
A detail shot of a M.O.D factory light by Simplex
The manufacturer logo of a M.O.D factory light by Simplex
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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Restoration

Once a light has undergone preparatory treatment and the degraded surface has been removed, the path is clear for us to bring it back to life. At skinflint we tend not to repaint surfaces, this would make the lights look too ‘new’ and they’d lose some of their individuality. So, with ferrous metals such as iron and steel, we wax-polish the surface on large rotating cotton wheels adding shine, grain and highlights to the casting details and bringing out the light’s character through surface and patina.

Suspension chain and ceiling plate with elephant grey cable

Product details

Each light is supplied with a new screw (E27) lamp holder, 2mtrs of suspension chain, elephant grey braided cable and ceiling mounting plate. (If you would prefer another colour cable, wire suspension or an E26 lamp holder for use in the USA, please just ask).

Diameter:
Height:
Weight:
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Colour:

315 mm
450 mm
8.5 kg
n/a mm
n/a mm
Silver | Glass

Supplied tested to BS EN60598. IP20 for internal use only. All dimensions and weights are approximate.

Simplex Electric Co

Manufacturer: Simplex Electric Co

Simplex Electric Co was formed in 1932 when Credenda Conduit Co and Simplex Conduits Ltd of Garrison Lane, Birmingham, merged. In addition to lighting equipment and conduits, the company began to manufacture Creda domestic cooking appliances. Between 1932 and 1965 Simplex Electric Co produced a wide range of lighting products but is primarily recognised for its early elegant prismatic street lanterns, bulkheads and latterly for linear industrial fluorescent fixtures. Then as the mass mergers of the 1960s unfolded, the company was bought by General Electric of the U.S.A. and production as Simplex stopped.

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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.

Trade in, get credit
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light bulbs faq

Light Bulbs

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

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Shipping

Our UK and international shipping and our no quibble return options explained.

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Applications

Where our lights can be used internally and externally, including bathrooms and IP ratings.

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Certifications

Our UK Lighting Industry Association (LIA), British Standards and UL certifications.

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B-Corp

Everything you need to know about B Corps - explained.

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A quick word from our customers

Excellent service

Excellent service in all respects.

- David | Preston | UK

Victorian light

I love it. It arrived quickly and in perfect order. Many thanks.

- Lucy | London | UK

Fire Engine Searchlight

I love the light and Cara was fantastic with bulb advice and sending me a copy of the picture of the engine it came from. Great service thanks.

- Marcus | Letchworth | UK

A piece of history

We found exactly what we wanted at skinflint: large industrial pendant lights from an old Dunlop Aerospace factory. They fill the space beautifully and we often get asked where they were sourced. With such heritage attached to them, they are like a piece of history that adds to the modern vintage feel we wanted to create. 

- Estelle | London | UK