Front or rear bicycle lamp

Object/Artifact

-

Waterperry Museum

The bicycle lamp with red shutter

The bicycle lamp with red shutter

Name/Title

Front or rear bicycle lamp

Entry/Object ID

2025.1.874

Description

A rectangular metal lamp, with a handles and a clip to attach to the front of a bike. There is a brass on/off switch on the top and a mechanical knob to turn up a red glass to cover the lens. The detachable top and bottom work are held in place by push-in pins that then pop out and lock the pieces in place. Possibly WW1.

Context

There were rules that had to be obeyed in the black out if you rode a bicycle: Regulation white patch on mudguard. Good tyres and brakes. The rear lamp must have only one aperture - no bigger than a one-inch circle, the light from which must be clearly visible from 30 yards but not visible at 300 yards. The upper half of the front lamp glass and whole of side or rear panels must be completely obscured and lower half of reflector must be painted with black matt paint of otherwise rendered ineffective.

Cataloged By

Felix Lam

Category

Bicycles, motor bikes, mechanical, Tools

Acquisition

Accession

2025.1

Source or Donor

Gordon Dempster

Acquisition Method

Transfer

Dimensions

Height

150 mm

Width

85 mm

Depth

60 mm

Weight

345 g

Dimension Notes

Lamp diameter 40 mm; lamp circumference 130mm

Material

Metal, Brass, Glass

Location

* Untyped Location

C3S3

Condition

Overall Condition

Good