An electric incandescent lamp includes a lamp vessel having an axis and a reflective coating. Within the lamp vessel two filaments are arranged in a disc-shaped space transverse to the axis and which are electrically connected in series, the second end portion of the first filament being electrically connected to the first end portion of the second filament. Mains voltage is applied between the first end portion of the first filament and the second end portion of the second filament. The filaments are arranged opposite each other so as to substantially surround the axis of the lamp vessel, and are closest to each other at the corresponding end portions thereof. Such end portions are separated by a gap in either or both the axial and transverse directions. The lamp produces a symmetrical light beam of high intensity at its center.