Automobile Tail Lamp, circa 1906

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Artifact Overview

The first automobile head and tail lamps used kerosene -- a fuel used in lighting fixtures found on horse-drawn vehicles. These early lights illuminated dark roads or generated a visible safety feature. This brass, kerosene tail lamp, made be the R. E. Deitz Company, warned approaching vehicles that an automobile was ahead.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Taillight

Date Made

circa 1906

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

68.19.327

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Samuel L. Scher, M.D.

Material

Brass (Alloy)
Glass (Material)

Technique

Plating (Metal coating)

Color

Gold (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 14 in
Width: 6.5 in
Length: 6.5 in

Inscriptions

Burner knob marked: DIETZ / N.Y. U.S.A. (with two stars) Front lens marked: OPTICAL CORNING PAT APL'D FOR
Automobile Tail Lamp, circa 1906