Abstract: A first portion of a spiral wire support for an amalgam is securely fitted into an exhaust tube formed in a re-entrant cavity of an electrodeless fluorescent lamp before attachment and sealing of the re-entrant cavity to the bulb of the lamp. A second portion of the spiral wire support extends into the bulb and holds an amalgam in thermal contact with the apex of the bulb. The second portion has a larger diameter than the first portion to ensure against movement of the spiral wire support into the exhaust tube. The end of the second portion of the spiral wire support is wetted with an alloy capable of forming an amalgam with mercury prior to insertion of the wire support into the exhaust tube. Mercury is added to the bulb after final evacuation of the bulb in preparation for dosing the lamp with its fill. As a result, an amalgam is formed and maintained in thermal contact with the apex of the bulb, regardless of lamp orientation.