Object Record
Images
Metadata
Collection |
Waterloo Region Museum |
Object ID |
2002.783.003 |
Object Name |
Light, Holiday |
Description |
Two Christmas tree light bulbs in the shape of star-like flowers made from plastic. They have individual faceted petals held by a round metal clip with teeth that hold a round, faceted jewel in the centre. 1 is yellow with a blue centre; 2 is white or clear with a red centre. They have a dark brown plastic base marked: Made in U.S.A.Pat. Pending Matchless. There is a threaded brass cap. |
Date |
1946 |
Date |
1953 |
Dimensions |
L-4 Dia-5 cm |
History |
Paul C. Dittman of Chicago was a German immigrant who worked for George Westinghouse, manufacturing electric light bulbs. In 1912, Dittman and his partners founded the Matchless Electric Company, which manufactured and dealt in electric supplies, light bulbs, and radio tubes. In 1935, Dittman applied for a patent for his decorative lighting device, later known as Matchless Wonder Stars. The stars were a seasonal business for the company and were manufactured between 1935 and 1953. The stars were available in several sizes and colour combinations. Originally, the glass points were made and hand cut in Czechoslovakia, and the lights were assembled and boxed in the United States. Following the Second World War, the company could no longer obtain the glass from Czechoslovakia, and started manufacturing the points from Lucite. The stars were sold individually and in sets of eight or ten. In Canada, Matchless Stars were licenced for sale through NOMA. The production of stars ceased in the early 1950s and the company was dissolved in 1954. |
Search Terms |
Matchless Wonder Star Matchless Electric Company |