The Friends of Sidholme Hotel Music Room is hoping Herald readers may be able to ‘shed some light’ about some unusual illuminations.

The discovery was made when glass restorer David Wilkinson was dismantling the venue’s main chandelier as part of the group’s ongoing restoration project.

Mr Wilkinson, who holds the royal warrant for glass restoration, mentioned to the group that he had never before seen the lightbulbs that were in situ in the chandelier.

John McGregor, from the friends group, approached electricians who said the same thing.

He also contacted the Manchester Science and Industry Museum to see if it had any information.

The museum said it has records of a similar bulb dating back to between 1900 and 1920, but encouraged the group to find a lightbulb collector or antiques dealer to help with the identification. A spokesman said: “Sadly, the only information we have about the bulb is that it is an incandescent electric lamp with a carbon filament, and that it was made in England, but I think the latter was a guess on a former curator’s part.”

Mr McGregor said: “The chandeliers, or gasoliers, may well have been converted to electricity during the time of the Lindemann family being in residence. After all, they were a scientific bunch. Perhaps they installed a generator.

“It’s intriguing. Any help readers can give would be much appreciated.”

Replies can be sent to the curator at Sidmouth Museum at info@sidvaleassociation.org.uk