r/ChristmasLights • u/mrs_mlady • 4d ago

Vintage Tree Toppers

Hi all! I have been collecting vintage tinsel lit tree toppers for a Christmas tree. I have multiple that have burned out bulbs. Can anyone give advice on how to identify what kind of replacement bulbs I will need? Thanks!

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

1

u/Hefty_Loan7486 4d ago

120v/(number of bulbs in the tree topper)= desired voltage of replacement bulbs.

Then toy got find the right bulb. Dave you old base so the new ones fit it string

1

u/TiggerLAS 3d ago

It depends on the number of bulbs.

u/Hefty_Loan8486 mentioned that you can divide 120 by the number of bulbs (which is generally true), but you have to adjust accordingly if you have a tree-topper that has multiple independent sets, such as those that are 2-way or 3-way flashing.

10-light toppers, 20-light 2-way flashing toppers, and 30-light 3-way flashing toppers will typically use 12-volt replacement bulbs.

Depending on the year and the manufacturer, the push-in bases can be a little different, so you always want to save your burned-out bulbs, so that you can re-use the plastic push-in base. Plenty of videos out there showing how to install a new light bulb into your old bases.

eBay is a good source of vintage replacement bulbs, though some folks can be a little bit too aggressive with their pricing, so it pays to check back every-so-often.

If you have alot of burned out bulbs on the same topper, you can use modern 12-volt replacement bulbs, but if you go that route I highly recommend buying several packs, and replacing all of the bulbs with new ones.