TOM H. S. Posted March 29, 2023 Share Posted March 29, 2023 Spring Bail on Back of a Dietz Lamp: What is it for? Is this where Rita the Meter-Maid would attach your Parking Ticket??? This is a most curious Spring Bail of the sorts I've never seen before. Does anyone know what it's for??? Thank-you AACA Folks, Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Layden B Posted March 29, 2023 Share Posted March 29, 2023 I believe that was to clip the lamp to a leather covered dashboard on your horse drawn buggy. You could also mount the lamp using the spike mounting hole on the side. " Driving lamps" were in use long before cars. Think of driving a heard of cattle or driving your horse and wagon. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted March 29, 2023 Share Posted March 29, 2023 Right. Surprising how many of those have survived You can still find them in unused condition. Terry 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted March 29, 2023 Share Posted March 29, 2023 Baseball cars to allow your buggy to sound like a horseless carriage. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOM H. S. Posted March 29, 2023 Author Share Posted March 29, 2023 Layden & Terry, Thank-you so very much! That totally makes sense, as this relic of a lamp is called "DRIVING LAMP" on the backend where the RED Lens is located. I've seen the same Lamps in perfect condition that still have their carrying Bails on them folded over the backside by the Spring Bail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DFeeney Posted March 29, 2023 Share Posted March 29, 2023 I am always impressed by the collective knowledge of the members of this forum. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Layden B Posted March 30, 2023 Share Posted March 30, 2023 Tom, Practicality was highly prized at the time! Light the lamp in the house from the fireplace or stove and carry the lamp by it's bail out thru the darkness to the barn. Clip onto the buggy and harness the horse for your errand. Reverse the procedure when done and enjoy the benefits of modern living! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne sheldon Posted March 30, 2023 Share Posted March 30, 2023 What are the patent dates stamped in the back of the lamp? I have two of those, nearly identical, that came with my early gasoline carriage. One of them has only patent dates in the 1890s, the other has an additional patent date a couple years after 1900. Just being curious. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted March 30, 2023 Share Posted March 30, 2023 Mouse trap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studeboy Posted March 30, 2023 Share Posted March 30, 2023 My amish neighbors still use something very similar here. very hard to see when you are driving a car. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOM H. S. Posted April 2, 2023 Author Share Posted April 2, 2023 Hi Wayne S., Please see 3 photos of back of lamp. It's very interesting that even back in 1897, 1905 & 1907 they were entering the abbreviated dates just the way we do it these days ( 97, 05 & 07 ). Found no Patent Number, just the dates and the word "PATENTED" and of course 2, 5 pointed stars. I believe this lamp body was coated with a layer of diluted tar because when it chips off it reveals bright shiny steel underneath. Since this Lamp got smashed top and bottom I may try to see if it comes apart. The front lens was broken in place and I think I can epoxy it back together with glass repair glue. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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