The vintage Christmas lights were still around at the 'Coffee and Jumble' this morning so I decided to take a punt and buy them. I knew they didn't work as one of the helpers had tried them out for me last week but thought I might as well have a go with them myself - after many reminders from the various helpers there that I should be very careful, and to make sure I'd unplugged them before fiddling around with them. The helpers are all gentlemen of a 'certain age' who probably feel women shouldn't be messing with anything electrical - although I very much welcomed their help and concern for my well-being.
I tightened all the bulbs, even read the instructions and changed the 'fuse bulb' (there were some unopened spares with the lights), and have messed around with the very vintage bakelite plug but, sadly, all to no avail - the little blighters refuse to work. Ah well, you win some, you lose some.
However, what I hadn't noticed last week was the rather spiffy 1960's tin the lights were stored in.
Helpfully marked 'Pony' on the side, just in case you were in any doubt as to what exactly the creature on the lid was.
I bet one of the bulbs has gone. My parents used to have a very old set and I remember every christmas my Dad cussing as he had to check every bulb before the darn thing would work. You can still get replacement bulbs at christmas time.
Also I've seen some advertised on ebay with their plug cut off - sold as seen.
Posted by: sharie | 07/13/2009 at 06:57 PM