GEC Z5590C(?)
For years, I've wondered what the two threaded screw holes on the bowl ring of a GEC Z5590 were for, for some reason I've always thought they were for more than just small clips to hold bowls to it. Recently I received an answer to that question, as I welcome this apparently unheard of, cutoff Z5590 to the collection. I'm guessing this is technically a Z5590C? 

The reflector is simply a spun anodised aluminium reflector that screws to the bowl ring, and then a piece of glass to the underside seals it shut. The glass also gives the lantern a date of 1968, meaning this fine looking thing is currently 56 years young. 

It looks extremely continental in its design, but it definitely gives it a somewhat unique character. It arrives in NOS condition, and overall its an extremely simple light. Internally all it has is its its original BC lamp holder and nothing more. The white reflector is not needed in this instance. I have to admit, I kinda wish it took MBF/U, so may end up changing it to 3 pin BC instead. 

For what application it would have been used in, I have absolutely no clue, so its definitely one of the more unique pieces in the collection. It's extremely reminiscent of a high bay light, and I imagine its light spread will be similar too, so could have been used in port areas, or around airports and railway stations.

GEC Z5590C(?)

For years, I've wondered what the two threaded screw holes on the bowl ring of a GEC Z5590 were for, for some reason I've always thought they were for more than just small clips to hold bowls to it. Recently I received an answer to that question, as I welcome this apparently unheard of, cutoff Z5590 to the collection. I'm guessing this is technically a Z5590C?

The reflector is simply a spun anodised aluminium reflector that screws to the bowl ring, and then a piece of glass to the underside seals it shut. The glass also gives the lantern a date of 1968, meaning this fine looking thing is currently 56 years young.

It looks extremely continental in its design, but it definitely gives it a somewhat unique character. It arrives in NOS condition, and overall its an extremely simple light. Internally all it has is its its original BC lamp holder and nothing more. The white reflector is not needed in this instance. I have to admit, I kinda wish it took MBF/U, so may end up changing it to 3 pin BC instead.

For what application it would have been used in, I have absolutely no clue, so its definitely one of the more unique pieces in the collection. It's extremely reminiscent of a high bay light, and I imagine its light spread will be similar too, so could have been used in port areas, or around airports and railway stations.

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Beta 5   [03 Jun, 2024 at 07:47 AM]
Wow amazing find, never seen one of these! As you said it definitely has a European element in it's appearance!
FrontSideBus   [03 Jun, 2024 at 10:12 AM]
I wonder if it was meant for under road and rail bridges?
AngryHorse   [03 Jun, 2024 at 10:46 AM]
Could be just a budget version B road lantern like the Atlas Beta 1?
Dave   [03 Jun, 2024 at 03:38 PM]
You make a very good point there FSB, I hadn't thought of that possibility. Its defo not a budget lantern, the glass front is toughened to offer some degree of anti-vandalism protection to it.
Slyspark   [03 Jun, 2024 at 09:16 PM]
I'd be guessing it's intended for areas such as airport perimeter roadways, so as not to interfere with the airport navigation lighting

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