Is this an antenna?

[jgf_photos_and_antiques]

Is this some type of mid century antenna? Any information would be appreciated

[afantiques]

No.

I think  it is just a  thing

[mreas]

It's part of a neon sign. Do an image search of "Sputnik Neon." There was on the laundromat in my neighborhood.

[maxine*j]

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wrote:

It's part of a neon sign. Do an image search of "Sputnik Neon." There was on the laundromat in my neighborhood.

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I'm not sure this was ever neon, but I believe you did nail it as a "Sputnik sign":

https://www.google.com/search?q=sputnik+signs&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjL2bTbrpnZAhWSjVk...

and

https://www.google.com/search?q=sputnik+neon+signs&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjKrOfCr5nZAh...

I had forotten about those things but, you're right, and they were everywhere -- laundromats, drive-ins, motels, you-name-it.   

[pixzee]

I have no idea what it is.

My guess: it was made in the 1950s-1960s inspired by sputnik. It looks like it was home made so might fall into the folk art catagory. Can only guess the use, a barn topper/weather vane? Flag pole topper? Building ornament?

Do I win?

[argon38]

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wrote:

It's part of a neon sign. Do an image search of "Sputnik Neon." There was on the laundromat in my neighborhood.

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You've got it. It seems the technical term for them is "Roto-spheres." Interesting article here:

http://www.roadarch.com/sca/roto.html

[argon38]

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wrote:

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I'm not sure this was ever neon

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If you zoom in really close you can just about see a lighting filament around the edges.

[maxine*j]

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wrote:

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wrote:

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I'm not sure this was ever neon

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If you zoom in really close you can just about see a lighting filament around the edges.

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Okay, thanks.  Not something I could see, even zooming in.  It's a nifty thing.

[argon38]

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wrote:

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wrote:

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I'm not sure this was ever neon

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If you zoom in really close you can just about see a lighting filament around the edges.

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Oops! Make that "lighting tube," since neon lights don't have filaments.

[bnbsellingtime]

I am old enough to have seen such things above restaurant and drive-in signs and such. I believe you would find an excellent market for it if your wish is to sell.

[pko6074]

Thanks for the link about the Roto-spheres. Interesting read indead!

Cheers

Timeless Objekt

www.timelessobjekt.com

[sonomabarn67]

I like the yellow and the turquoise ones the best. The multi-color ones are just too darn fussy. Wasn't the original Sputnik silver?

[argon38]

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sonomabarn67 wrote:

Wasn't the original Sputnik silver?

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It was, indeed. However, it seems the design wasn't based on the satellite - at least, not directly - but on a "commercial for a children's toy or a spinning Christmas ornament." And in fact it doesn't really resemble the original Sputnik very much at all, when you look at it:

By the way, this is quite an old thread... I wonder if the OP has had any success with restoring or selling it.

[sonomabarn67]

That's very true. If the orig Sputnik turned up at a antique show or flea, no one would believe it because it doesn't look like the "real" Sputnik seen on ebay!

RIP Laika