c.1955 Cactus Craft, Davy Crockett Electric Lamp with Frosted Glass Shade
One of the more esoteric souvenirs to emerge during the Davy Crockett mania of 1955-56 was this Electric Lamp with frosted glass shade. Several of the Frontiersman's more memorable lifetime accomplishments are depicted including his birth, his battle in the 1813 Creek Indian War, his Congressional elections, and his death defending the Alamo in 1836. Centered on the shade is a large kneeling Davy set in front of the U.S. They were printed in brown and highlighted with green. The base is enamel over pressed metal. The shade holder is plated brass. It has it's original socket and electric cord. The brown felt disc on the underside is a replacement. And as you can see it works great! It comes with a low watt 4V frosted bulb. The drawings are very simple and not particularly well done which exemplifies the haste with which it was produced. An array of strange products were quickly released to the public to capture the Crockett craze which was started by Disney. 50 years later it's this archaic appearance which makes this piece so appealing. The manufacturer is unknown. Size: 12" tall, 5½" diameter shade. Sold: Jan. 2006
Price Sold: $ 104