Before inflatable Santas took over the neighborhood, apparently Santa himself could be the light bulb.
This striking early figural Christmas light features a large painted Santa-shaped bulb mounted in an old porcelain Leviton socket/base. Santa is molded in relief with a tall red hat, long beard and an armful of Christmas imagery, including a green tree and small toys or gifts. The reverse continues the painted decoration, making this a display piece from every angle.
The porcelain base is marked LEVITON and 250V 660W. Similar large hand-painted figural Santa bulbs are associated with early 20th-century Christmas lighting, but the exact manufacturer and date of this bulb have not been confirmed. The Leviton marking identifies the socket/base manufacturer, not necessarily the maker of the Santa bulb.
Condition: Antique/vintage condition with visible surface wear, paint loss, discoloration, soiling and age to both the figural bulb and porcelain fixture. The electrical assembly has not been represented as tested or safe for use. It is being sold as a collectible/display piece, and any electrical use should be evaluated by a qualified person before plugging it in. Please review all photos carefully.
Approximate size: about 9 1/2 inches tall overall including the porcelain base.
A wonderfully strange survivor from the era when Christmas lighting was considerably more interesting and considerably less standardized.
