October Fall Classic
Lot 1086b:
Description
This is an exceptional example of a late 19th-century bicycle or early motorcycle accessory: a “Solar” Model S Carbide Gas Lamp manufactured by the C.M. Hall Lamp Co. of Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S.A. These lamps, with their distinctive nickel-plated brass construction, were a major safety advancement for cyclists in the Gilded Age and Gay Nineties, using the brilliant light produced by the chemical reaction between water and calcium carbide to generate acetylene gas. The lamp features a large, convex main lens for projection and two side “jewels”—a red and a faceted green/blue lens—which served as side reflectors or signals, a premium feature. The rear door is clearly marked “C.M. HALL LAMP CO. KENOSHA, WIS. U.S.A.” with the “Solar” sunburst logo, and the bottom is stamped with patent dates including Feb 4. 1896 and May 12. 1896, placing its production right in the boom period of the cycling craze, circa 1896-1900. The piece is in good, original antique condition, showing expected wear from age and use, including overall tarnish, nickel plating loss, and surface scratching consistent with a utilitarian object of this era; critically, the internal carbide chamber shows only minimal corrosion, and the burner assembly is not heavily corroded, suggesting excellent internal preservation for a lamp of this age and strong potential for future functionality with restoration work. The original fuel chamber cap is present, but the mounting bracket is missing. The hinge and clasp mechanisms appear functional.
H 7″, W 4″, D 5″
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