Blackout light (headlamp) covers were compulsory for civilian night driving during WW II. This example appears to closely follow the pattern suggested by the Department of Home Security for civilian motor vehicles, and appears to be for older, pre-war type vehicles, where the headlights were not integral to the front of the vehicle (Ref. Australian War Memorial) A.G. Cookson was the maker.Bogong village SECV employees manned an Observation Hut during WW 2. The SECV vehicles and their employees would have used vehicle blackout light covers on their cars when driving at night.Stitched brown leather disc cover with metal light shield over a central slit. Below this is a 25 mm white semi-translucent light diffuser. Includes leather attachment and leather straps at rear.A.G. Cookson embossed above the shield above the slit.ww 2, vehicle blackout light cover, bogong observation hut

Blackout lights were widely used in WWII military vehicles, especially in jeeps, trucks, and armoured transport vehicles, to reduce visibility from enemy aircraft and enhance operational security. Similar designs were used in civil defence vehicles and emergency response units in the mid-20th century. These covers were commonly used as blackout light covers on military vehicles during wartime, particularly in World War II and later conflicts. The slotted design helped direct light downward, making vehicles less visible from the air while still allowing some illumination for convoy driving. The bottom component might serve as a mounting or focusing element, potentially diffusing or redirecting the light output.These are military or blackout-style vehicle light covers, consisting of two separate metal components. The top piece is a round metal cover with three elongated slits, allowing limited light to pass through while concealing the direct source of illumination. The bottom piece appears to be a cylindrical housing with angled metal blades, likely designed to direct or diffuse light output. Both pieces are made of black or dark-coloured metal, showing signs of wear, scratches, and rust, indicating long-term use or exposure to the elements.car, vehicle, headlight, covers, motoring, war

By 1941, the threat of Japanese invasion caused restrictions to daily life. Blackouts became the norm. To prevent identification from enemy planes all lights had to be turned down, including car headlights that had to be covered to minimize light exposure. In Australia more relaxed regulations led to the Australian air raid precautions being dubbed the “brownout”. These shields limited the amount of light emitted by a vehicle. To drive at night without them was an offence; however, the increase in road accidents led to the removal of headlight masks everywhere in Australia south of Rockhampton from 15 February 1943. These shields, though not rare, evoke a period of restrictions, fear, rationing and confinement.A circular metal disc painted black - car light blackout shield. It has a small glass slot in front and a scooped out front to cover the light.ww11 blackout-shield

used to cover headlights to reduce light beam and avoid detectionround metal covers with shield and slot for light beam with glass diffuser.

Soldered steel vehicle headlight blackout cover with metal light shield over a central slit. There is an adjustable cover to change the slit size. Below this is a 20 mm diameter hole. The steel has a galvanised finish and has been painted in a drab green colour.

By 1941, the threat of Japanese invasion caused restrictions to daily life. Blackouts became the norm. To prevent identification from enemy planes all lights had to be turned down, including car headlights that had to be covered to minimize light exposure. In Australia more relaxed regulations led to the Australian air raid precautions being dubbed the “brownout”. These shields limited the amount of light emitted by a vehicle. To drive at night without them was an offence; however, the increase in road accidents led to the removal of headlight masks everywhere in Australia south of Rockhampton from 15 February 1943.These shields, though not rare, evoke a period of restrictions, fear, rationing and confinement.Pair of handmade car light blackout shields. Black round metal with scoop at front as well as small glass partition.shields-blackout ww11 transport-motor-vehicles

Blackout headlight covers were commonly used during World War II and post-war military operations to reduce vehicle visibility at night and minimize detection by enemy aircraft. They were especially used in military convoys, air raid precautions (ARP), and civilian vehicles during blackout regulations in wartime cities. The small opening and louvered slats allowed some light for safe driving while preventing full illumination, which could have exposed vehicles to enemy attack. These covers may have been used on military jeeps, trucks, or civilian vehicles following wartime restrictions.These are four round headlight blackout covers, used to restrict the amount of light emitted from vehicle headlights. Each cover is circular, designed to fit over standard vehicle headlights, with a small open hole for limited light emission. A horizontal slotted section with ridges or louvers allows some light to pass through while preventing full illumination. Three of the covers appear to be painted black, while one shows significant rust and wear, suggesting it is made of metal and has been exposed to the elements over time. The surfaces show signs of chipping, scratches, and general age-related wear.vehicles, headlights, covers, blackout, world war 2, motoring