Kerosene Automobile Tail Lamp, 1917-1924
01
Artifact Overview
Early automobile lights used kerosene -- a fuel used in lighting fixtures found on horse-drawn vehicles. The John W. Brown Manufacturing Company made this tail lamp for Ford in the late 1910s and early 1920s at a time when electric lights were more common. The lamp's red lens warned approaching vehicles that an automobile was ahead. Its clear side lens illuminated the license plate.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Taillight
Date Made
1917-1924
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
78.21.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Steel (Alloy)
Glass (Material)
Paint (Coating)
Color
Black (Color)
Red
Dimensions
Height: 9.375 in
Width: 5 in
Depth: 5.5 in
Inscriptions
Stamped on top surface of chimney: JNO W BROWN MFG. CO COLUMBUS O U.S.A. / FORD / MODEL 540
Stamped into bottom: PAT MAY 26-14 / JUN 23-14 / NOV 23-15 / DEC 21-15 / NOV 7-16 / AUG 28-17
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