Anybody know anything about this light

It is my belief that this is a old carriage or early auto lamp. Any ideas? Thanks, Ryan

 

Look to see if it might say Prestolite anywhere on the lamp body. Before electric lights were adapted to the automobile, Gas Lights were used and there was usually a Prestolite Tank mounted to the running board.
Calcium Carbide when mixed with water will produce basic acetylene gas. This is the same principal as the old acetylene gas generators from days gone by. A friend of mine still has one of the old generators stored at his body shop, once used to produce gas for Oxy/Acetylene welding.
This is also the way that miners at onetime could light there way in a mine shaft. I have seen a miners cap with the Carbide Calcium Light still attached. Years ago an Uncle used one when he went **** Hunting at night.
Do a Google search on Prestolite Lamps........................... Jeff

 

Old railroad light?

 

Although it appears a lot like the carbide lights that were used on the Model T the loop handle makes me think it might be a early lantern. HRP

 

The wick makes me think it's kerosene. Looks like it could slip on a mount or be carried.

 

That's definitely a buggy light. Kerosene for sure with that style wick.

 

Hand held kerosene lantern

 

Not Prestolite or carbide. Kerosene uses a wick, the others have a burner. Some auto lamps had a bail so you could remove them and use them as a trouble light

 

Looks like an old railroad signalman's lamp. My dad had a couple from he collected when he worked for the railroad.

 

I have several railroad lights in my collection,,both red and green but I have never had a clear light. HRP

 

I have a clear and one with a purple gl*** lens and a red one. The cans are rough. I also have no idea what they are from.

 

It's an automobile side light from the 1909-1919 era. Look at the base of the handle, sometimes called a bale there is a bulge with a ho;e, that is how it mounts to the car. If the other side doesn't have it then that lamp is for a left side only mount. Look for a makers name and model number on the top. Bob

 

I have not been able to find any markings on it so far. The only marking I can find is on the lens, it is marked OPTICAL CORNING PAT APR 23 1907.

I talked with a couple of friends who are railroad collectors and they are certain that it is not railroad related due to the handle design (not foldable).

It does have a pair of mounting tabs on each side with a set screw that would hold it tight.

Thanks for all the information!

If anybody ever needs any information on old gas pumps, PM me.