Historical information
This portable lamp was manufactured by the Lucas Industries, a company in Birmingham, England that first produced lamps after 1875. It could have domestic use or be attached to cars or bicycles early in the 20th Century to provide light at night. The lighting fluid was oil.
Significance
This object is an interesting example of lighting for cars and bicycles and in the home in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.
Physical description
This is a brass lantern with a circular glass piece in the middle front, and a top metal mechanism with a handle. Inside the circular opening is a domed jet with holes for lighting the lamp. On the sides there are various mechanisms for turning the light up and down, opening the front glass and opening the bottom to allow filling of the lighting fluid. The item is corroded on the exterior. The top has air vents to permit the vapours to escape. On the side is the maker's name
Inscriptions & markings
LUCAS No. 722 KING OF THE ROAD JOS. LUCAS LTD.