Window Shades

[FMF]

Does anyone know if window shades were a factory installed option on DB closed cars manufactured in the 1920's?

A recent DB newsletter showed a photo of a 1925 Coach on display at the Gilmore Museum. This car had side/rear window shades. This was confirmed after talking to someone from the Gilmore museum.

I'm not aware window shades were offered as a factory option by DB.

Can someone please enlighten me?

If they were an option, where can copies be obtained today?

Thanks and best Regards.

[dwollam]

Our 2 25 DB coupes and 25 Business Sedan all have original rear window shades.

Dave

[dbbob]

My '24 coupe, too. But is there a source for restoration/replacement?

[Guest 1930]

All DA has them, definately a factory thing, easy to make your own I would think, I have spare set for a four door sedan and I have the ones in my two door Victoria, let me know if you want detailed photos and measurements.Dont know what body you have, the two sets I have are very different in measurement....Jason Anderson

[FMF]

I understand the following outfit has a rather large choice of window shades (in a variety of colors) and will provide samples:

http://www.hamptoncoach.com/catalog.htm

I have a '25 2 door Coach. Rear side windows on this car are rather large. Hampton Coach does offer large size shades.

With regard to the DA, I assume the shades were on both the rear and rear side windows - correct?

Thanks for all the comments!

[dbbob]

Thanks for your posts and for the lead for a supplier. Someday soon I hope to replace the rear shade on the '24 coupe. Good luck with your projects. Happy New Year! --Bob

[FMF]

Additional Question for DWOLLAM, 1930 & DBBOB :

Do your window shades have a small grommet, or ring that the string on the tassel would slip thru or is a simple pull tab used?

Would appreciate hearing from you.

[Guest 1930]

I will send you a pict. tomm night no problem

[dwollam]

Well, my coupes are tattered and no bottom left and I sold the Sedan so I can't look at it again but I don't remember a tab or ring on it. Sorry.

Dave

[dbbob]

My coupe only has a scrap of shade left on the roller, so I'm drawing a blank on this one.

[Guest 1930]

Here is that picture, think it is what you were looking for, might be a little fuzzy, assumiming that is the ring you meant. Let me know, can send others, all my shades are the same

[FMF]

1930 ------ Thanks for the photo. Looks like I will be ordering my shades with the tassel based on your photograph.

Regards.

[Jim Anselmo]

I meant to look at my '28 Fast Four last night, but I don't remember it having a fancy tassel like that. I almost think it was just a metal ring. I'll look tonight and let you know.

[FMF]

I'm going to try and attach a photo of the '25 DB from the Gilmore Museum --- note the shade tassel at the rear side window.

[Jim Anselmo]

OK, I looked at my shade (rear only) and the pull was missing. There was no hole to attach a tassel though. If memory serves me there was only a "tab" of fabric that you would pull on to raise and lower the shade..... I do remember lowering the shade and pulling the tab off. It's still in the car somewhere.

[dbbob]

I have 3 original photos that show the rear window shade on the '24 DB coupe. All show what appears to be a rectangular pull tab (maybe 1 inch X 2 inches) in the center of the shade. No strings or tassels are visible. One of the photos is dated June, 1924. The photos are small and not close-ups, but I will e-mail a copy, if you wish.

--Bob

[Jim Anselmo]

OK, just ran across this picture of a Fast Four Sedan - looks like it might depend on what style car you have (deluxe vs standard) as this car has a much "fancier" interior then mine and it has tassels.....

[DodgeSavesUMoney]

My Fast Four was a standard and only had the rear shade with no tassles. It also didn't have the hand pulls on the sides near the door. The Deluxe had mohair on the seats, which the one in the photo looks like it has, plus the Deluxe had a fancier handle on the back of the front seat.

[FMF]

Very Interesting.

I believe my car was produced as a "standard" model vs. the "special".

That's why the original rear shade had no tassel or pull tab.

I've attached a picture of my interior. If you blow up the picture, you can just see the green window shade.

I ordered side rear window shades to include the tassel. I guess I really should have purchased a new rear shade with a tassel but I really have a problem discarding the original shade since it's in such great condition.

Oh well, that's the way it goes.

Thanks everyone for all the comments, photo's, etc.