A Dog’s Tale Collectibles Exclusive

Unearthing the Iconic Aerolux Lightbulbs

Get ready to have your tail wagging! Here at A Dog’s Tale Collectibles, we live for those rare, wonderful finds that combine two of our greatest loves: vintage charm and man’s best friend. Today, we are absolutely glowing with excitement to announce the arrival of a truly extraordinary collection: four original, dog-themed lightbulbs from the legendary Aerolux Light Corporation! These aren’t just lightbulbs—they are miniature pieces of illuminated art, each one casting a delightful silhouette of a beloved dog breed. Produced in New York City and active from the 1930s until the mid-1970s, Aerolux is renowned for its unique gas-discharge bulbs. In fact, the Aerolux company originally nicknamed this unique bulb type the “Cheer Light” because of the sheer happiness and fun they illuminate! Can you imagine a more perfect name for a bulb featuring a dog?

The Illuminating History of the “Cheer Light”

The Aerolux Light Corporation was a true innovator, operating under the leadership of Philip J. Kayatt, who held numerous patents for decorative lighting. What makes these bulbs so special? Inside each glass envelope, tiny, intricate metal sculptures are coated with brittle phosphors. When electrified, the low-pressure gas inside—like neon or argon—energizes the phosphors, causing the sculpture to fluoresce and glow in brilliant colors. They consumed very little energy, typically around 3–5 watts, making them unique in both design and early electrical engineering. The dog silhouettes we’ve found are becoming increasingly rare and are treasures for collectors today. They represent a blend of utility, decorative art, and mid-20th-century American decor.

Meet the Pups: Our Four Exclusive Aerolux Finds!

We’ve managed to secure four distinct, working Aerolux dog silhouette bulbs, produced between 1930 and 1970. Each one uses a standard Edison base and is rated at 25 watts, ready to plug into a standard lamp socket to cast its captivating, glowing shadow.