Cincinnati Turtle Lamp 1/4 Scale Desk Lamp

Commuters have basked in the warm glow of the beloved Cincinnati Turtle Lamp for over 85 years, now this Cincinnati transit icon has been reborn and resized for your desk!

During the middle of the 20th century these lights, now colloquially refered to as "Turtle Lamps" or "Yellow Lamps" or sometimes "Island Lights", were used to illuminate streetcar and bus stops located in road medians. After the closure and removal of the street car lines they found a new life as a general street lamp, usually serving to let motorists know that there was any sort of low street median or island to be aware of. Though a few can also be found lighting up pillars of bridges and crosswalk islands.

As the City of Cincinnati's stock of replacement shades dwindles (the shades at Knowlton Corner and the intersection of Gest and Dalton have both gone missing in recent weeks) this miniature 1/4 scale reproduction aims to bring awareness to this often forgotten and unique piece of Cincinnati design and transit history. Future plans are to create larger replicas to help keep these alive well into the 22nd Century.

Recreated in 1/4 scale from 3D scans of the real genuine street shade it stands at 16 inches tall with the base being 6 wide. It features the distinct diamond weave on the shade and "the chocolate company from pennslyvania" kiss shade topper. Both are removable and may need to be assembled.

(Note: CORD NOT INCLUDED! Does not work with all fast charging USB hubs or cords. I recommend an old USB-A to USB-C cord and an older USB hub)

Technical Lamp info:

6v E10 replacable LED bulb (Included!)

USB-C Powered

CORD NOT INCLUDED! Does not work with all fast charging USB hubs or cords. I recommend an old USB-A to USB-C cord and an older USB hub

Shade, base, and pole are 3D Printed in PLA plastic and assembled together here in Cincinnati.

14 in H x 6 in W x 6 in D