Carbide Bicycle Lamp
Production date
Circa 1902
Country
England
State/Province
Birmingham
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Object detail
Description
Large front hooded lens. Lights on either side of body formed by decorative pinhole pattern around large green and blue bevelled glass pieces on either side. Chimney at top, along with screw cap for filling water chamber and the gas adjustment mechanism. A large round carbide container is attached to the bottom. Clamps at rear.
Classification
TRANSPORT Bicycles Parts & Accessories bicycle lamp
Maker
Production date
Circa 1902
Production place
Measurements
L210 x W240 x H85 mm
Media/Materials description
Indeterminate (Metals - Indeterminate), Indeterminate (Glass)
Signature/Marks
ACETYPHOTE \ BIRMINGHAM
DO NOT FILL CARBIDE ABOVE THIS LINE
DO NOT FILL CARBIDE ABOVE THIS LINE
History and use
The Joseph Lucas Company designed many of the most successful bicycle lamps to come out of England. Between 1897 and 1902 the company produced a series of carbide lamps. This object is an ‘Acetyphote’ lamp and was made, modelled on a similar American acetylene lamp. The ‘Acephote’ was first produced in November 1902. Compared to the ‘Microphote’, an earlier model, it was a larger design and utilised acetylene gas, which made it a much brighter lamp.
This lamp was donated to the Queensland Museum as part of the significant Marks collection. The Marks were a prominent Brisbane family who made significant contributions to the fields of science and medicine.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
This lamp was donated to the Queensland Museum as part of the significant Marks collection. The Marks were a prominent Brisbane family who made significant contributions to the fields of science and medicine.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Associated person
Registration number
H27110