Got this last week to add to my very small Dorfan collection. I did not realize until I took it out of the box that the plug receptacle is a light socket. The instructions tell you to screw it in to a socket. Just thought it was cool.
Steve
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That is cool. Don't think I would put it to the test but it's an interesting piece.
My dad who was born in NY city in 1918, told me that their house was wired for electricity - but only with lights, no outlets. Basically, there wasn't anything to plug in yet, so why have outlets? Outlets came soon later, but he remembered the interim period of appliances having screw plugs on the end; you unscrewed a light bulb and got power that way.
This is the cover of Lionel's 1913 catalog, notice the wire going from the transformer up to the ceiling light!
Now that is something. Half my Aunts house had no plugs. Just lights and switch wires through the ceiling down the wall. Guess it would have a switch most of the time anyhow! Id have spun a trouble light on it & ran something.
Ive seen an aluminum toaster and a Christmas tree topper like that before. I think the tin package advertised it to hold the tree up, or hang. It was a nickel&glass star, cord exited the top tip, nice.
Or maybe its so junior isn't tempted to mess with this(must be Ralphies son's[Christmas Story]
One male to two female Y ceramic adapters were out there too.
My dad who was born in NY city in 1918, told me that their house was wired for electricity - but only with lights, no outlets. Basically, there wasn't anything to plug in yet, so why have outlets? Outlets came soon later, but he remembered the interim period of appliances having screw plugs on the end; you unscrewed a light bulb and got power that way.
This is the cover of Lionel's 1913 catalog, notice the wire going from the transformer up to the ceiling light!
That 1913 cover is fascinating. I think it is the oldest one I've seen. It looks to me like that ceiling wire powers the race cars and there are two dry cells attached to the large accessory toward the front? Isn't it interesting, too, that a girl was pictured? Anyway, it looks as if the kids are having fun. 
What's interesting in this 1913 Lionel catalog cover are the Märklin tunnel and Ives Station. Haven't a clue who made the curved double tracked bridge in the rear. Artist's fantasy?
Ron M
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