original and highly desirable rewired early 20th century american industrial "white" articulating arm machine operator task lamp. the lamp may be shifted into any desired position and held there adjustably. the most astonishing feature is a sectional ball and socket joint on a base suited to any required position, either the ceiling, wall, floor, column and so on. this fascinating solid cast iron "knuckle" joint received many awards and medals (e.g., franklin institute, of philadelphia, the massachusetts charitable mechanics association, of boston, etc.) for its remarkable originality, both in design and execution. the knuckle and wrist joints are comprised of cast iron with lightly incised manufacturer markings. the rotating swing arm or bracket is made of cast iron with deeply embossed lettering. every joint of the mechanism has an elastic pressure, easily adjusted if necessary, which is sufficient to hold a heavy lamp and shade quite firmly, and still yield to a moderate force when it is desired to change its position. the variety of form as well as the range of motion of these holders is almost unlimited. brushed steel deep bowl or parabola-shaped shade was likely a later addition. the general electric key socket is intact and rewired with period appropriate rayon cloth cord. the post supporting the swinging arm or bracket is attached to a flush mount base plate containing four pre-drilled holes for mounting against the wall or workbench. the versatile industrial fixture was fabricated by the o.c. white co. of worcester, mass.