Posted 9 years ago
Kydur
(103 items)
I think these are a pair of incomplete carbide lamps (missing fuel cannister base and lenses), possibly for a carriage or car? They're quite rusted but not to the extent where it's comprised the structure - barely!
They measure 7" high, 4.5" deep, and the lens opening is 4.5" in diameter. Am planning to remove the rust and re-purpose them into something cool.
It would be nice to know what vehicle they originated from, if anyone knows. They cost $5 for the pair at a yard sale.
Kydur I have just posted a lamp a bit similar that was my dad's.
Dietz Union driving lamp - patent 1890-1897.
I can't tell you anything else about it as I no longer have it.
Any patent marks on yours anywhere?
No marks or stamps that I can see, but then there is a lot of crusty surface rust so something might emerge once they're cleaned. Not sure whether I should clean them via acid dip, sandblasting, electrolysis, or elbow grease. Have also considered just a light removal of the surface rust scale.
Thanks for the posting of your previously owned carbide lamp - it helped me determine how the missing lens frame on mine would've hinged up from the bottom.
Kydur, these are very cool indeed!! I hope you post these once you have repurposed them. I'd love to see your finished product.
Jscott, have got the Model T jack and carbide lamp temporarily attached (in all their rusted glory) sitting on a shelf for the moment, where it will undergo scrutiny before I decide if that's what I want to create. So far I'm really liking the look, but then it would also be nice to do something with the lamps as a matching pair. Guess I'm just going to have to find another Model T jack!
Will definitely post the result of whatever they eventually become.
Hi, Your lamps are a tail light (side glass, clear for license plate illumination) and a side lamp for a model T. They are kerosene fueled, a bulb like container twists onto the bottom of each one!