Bygone Bulbs on the Block

A box of bulbs is expected to bring in more than half a million dollars when it hits the auction block, but they're not your average bulbs. There are almost two dozen bulbs in the box that none other than Thomas Edison used in the late 1800s to defend his patent. They're being put on the block by Christie's auction house and are said to have been at the center of a dispute between Edison Electric Light Company and United States Electric Light Company. Some call it the most important technology- related infringement case ever for the U.S. as it involved profits from lamps. A key witness for Edison used the box during the proceedings and that helped sway the winning decision their way. The auction house says the box was rediscovered a couple of years ago in a house attic and has its original wooden case and key. It is believed that the 116-year-old bulbs may well light up if they wer ever tested, but, as India's The Hindu newspaper put it, "to historians it would be as blasphemous as using the Holy Grail as a shaving bowl." The box of bulbs will be put up for sale next Wednesday (12/13) and could bring in $600,000. Hear more about this on our latest podcast. (Source: Metro)