Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A rare New Old Stock (NOS) spark plug featuring Thomas Edison's signature branding and the proprietary 'Albanite' white insulator. This piece represents the legendary inventor's foray into the automotive ignition market during the golden age of American industrial expansion.
Story
Thomas Edison didn't just light our homes; he wanted to power our journeys. In the 1920s, his company acquired Splitdorf Electrical to dominate the car market. This plug has sat unused in its original box for nearly 90 years.
Maker / Origin
The Edison-Splitdorf Corporation was a subsidiary of Thomas A. Edison, Inc., formed after Edison purchased the Splitdorf Electrical Company. It combined Edison's chemical expertise with Splitdorf's manufacturing, aiming to create the most reliable ignition components in the world.
Condition & Value
The spark plug appears to be in excellent New Old Stock condition with no carbon fouling. The box shows significant shelf wear and crushing on the left flap, which reduces the value for 'box-only' collectors by about 20%.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.