Vintage 1940s Amusement Carnival Marquee Lights Festoon 46ft Bakelite String

Vintage commercial festoon light string, likely American made and dating to the 1940s. Features eighteen phenolic/Bakelite-style sockets with heavy rubber-insulated wiring and an original molded rubber plug. Retains an assortment of vintage colored incandescent bulbs by General Electric and Sylvania. Originally intended for carnival, marquee, storefront, municipal, holiday, or other outdoor decorative lighting applications.

Unlike modern miniature Christmas lights, these sockets accept standard medium-base (E26) screw-in light bulbs.

Please note that the two bulbs shown at the lower end of the string in the photographs are burned out and will not be included. They are pictured for display purposes only and will be discarded prior to shipment.

There are 18 total sockets. Overall length is approximately 46 feet, including approximately 10 feet of cord from the plug to the first socket and approximately 2 feet of spacing between sockets. Measurements are approximate.

Condition is consistent with age and use. Several bulbs exhibit paint loss, flaking, or wear. The wiring has been repaired and spliced in multiple locations over the years. A few sockets are missing their retaining clips. This set has not been professionally inspected and is being sold strictly as found, as-is, for display, collection, restoration, or rewiring purposes. Buyers should review all photographs carefully and inspect electrical components prior to use.

If you do not wish to receive the bulbs with the string, please let me know prior to shipment and I can remove them.