Solar Carbide Bicycle Lamp, circa 1905

Summary

The Badger Brass Manufacturing Company made this carbide lamp to help a cyclist navigate in the dark. The lamp could be attached to the bicycle's handlebars or other front frame parts. The lamp burned acetylene gas and gave off a powerful white light. Early automobiles also used carbide lamps to light their ways at night.

The Badger Brass Manufacturing Company made this carbide lamp to help a cyclist navigate in the dark. The lamp could be attached to the bicycle's handlebars or other front frame parts. The lamp burned acetylene gas and gave off a powerful white light. Early automobiles also used carbide lamps to light their ways at night.

Artifact

Bicycle lamp

Date Made

1900-1910

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

00.4.3872

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Brass (Alloy)
Glass (Material)

Color

Green
Red

Dimensions

Height: 7.75 in

Width: 3.75 in

Depth: 4.5 in

Inscriptions

On chimney cover, in perforated star: SOLAR On side within incised sun: THE BADGER BRASS MFG. CO. / KENOSHA WIS. U.S.A.

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