Is anyone familiar with the chinese 257 bulbs? I bought 2 that were supposedly from the mid 70's, not from China. There are no markings on them at all and the bases are silver. Maybe someone took laquer thinner and cleaned the printing or numbers. Thank you Dale
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Re: 257 bulbs
I suspect these are NOT made in the USA nor from the mid 70's. The move away from using brass to construct the base of incandescent lamps is a relatively new issue (cost reduction).
All lamps that I've seen with silver color vs. actual brass base construction have been recently made and off-shore sourced.
But, I would NOT automatically conclude that because the lamp has no mfgr ID marks on it and lacks a brass base that it's from China and is inferior! Former Soviet Union nations (Russia, Hungry, Romania, Etc.) are actively building 'old/obsolete' electrical components including vacuum tubes and incandescent lamps. They have the same traits as the made in China components and many are TOP DRAWER products... -
Re: 257 bulbs
Dale, Real ones have a logo. For example: GE 257 on the bulb with a brass colored base. JDComment
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Re: 257 bulbs
here is a pic of the real deal GE 257.Comment
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Re: 257 bulbs
I think I will hook up a longivity test for one of these. I will see how long this bulb last. DaleComment
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Re: 257 bulbs
The 257 bulb flahed for 15 hours. Prubably more than my original has flashed since ie was new, DaleComment
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Re: 257 bulbs
That's interesting, Dale. But your test parameters are missing two real life factors. Vibration and the hot-cold cycling of actual use. I'll bet vibration has more to do with bulb life than anything else.
It was still an intersting test, though.
PaulComment
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Re: 257 bulbs
I now have 2 spares, one brand new and on with 15 hoursand. It was going strong( even flashes and same brightness. DALEComment
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Re: 257 bulbs
Dale, Better stock up on those China bulbs then. That's a neat test you pulled. Problem is if you fry one of those bulbs in your midyear it's a bitch to change. JDComment
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Re: 257 bulbs
John, as my original is still working, I only need one spare. DaleComment
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Re: 257 bulbs
So, how have we concluded his lamps were made in China, John?Comment
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