Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a vintage, original-stock Sylvania CAL-CXP projector lamp, complete with its iconic mid-century graphic packaging. These lamps were the lifeblood of classroom filmstrip projectors and home slide shows during the golden age of analog media. Finding one unused in its original box is a wonderful time capsule of American industrial design.
Story
In the 1970s, classrooms across America fell silent as teachers fired up heavy metal projectors. This tiny, high-intensity bulb was the magic spark that brought history, science, and family vacation slides to life on the silver screen.
Maker / Origin
Sylvania, originally founded in 1901 to renew burned-out lightbulbs, grew into a titan of American electronics and lighting. By the time they merged with GTE in 1959, they were pioneering the specialized, high-performance projection lamps that fueled the post-war audio-visual boom in schools and homes.
Condition & Value
The cardboard packaging is in very good vintage condition with minor edge wear, light scuffing, and minimal fading. The bulb is assumed to be new-old-stock, but the filament must be visually inspected to ensure it is unbroken. Pristine packaging preserves the maximum value for collectors.
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.