Hot Rods Any pointers on how to tell if '32 lights are original

I have a pair of '32 headlamps which I am about to list but want to make sure I describe them properly.

I THINK these are original but the stainless steel finish is so good I am starting to doubt myself. Are there any pointers that will confirm one way or another?

 

Great to see you in the house.

 

I’ve never seen a pair of old Ford headlights with nice plating on the mounting cups. Makes me think they might be repro. Or somebody restored them.

 

Thanks, just clearing out some parts from the Coupe days. If I can get on top of these health issues I TOTALLY plan on another!

 

Yeah, was just wondering if there were some way to distinguish between repro and original. I will pull them apart to see what the insides tell...

 

..We're all rooting for you.

 

Back to the top.

 

On all of the 90 year old ones that I have, the 6 rivets are rusty, as is the mounting stud/ball, so I suspect that the ones you have are reproduction ones.
Also to note -
No ford script on the lens, and I can’t see one on the top of stainless shell.
The little clip thingy looks a bit different/shorter, but that could be camera angle or made differently to Canadian ones ?
Still worth good money, as Drake didn’t have them in stock last time I checked.
edit, - can’t find them on speedway motors either.
Down here the reproduction ones seem to sell for much the same as originals.
I have a few model A ones and they are the same as regards the rust.

 

Just for my peace of mind. Am I wrong in assuming the bucket/cup is chrome and it’s the rings you’re referring to? If not, I had no idea the bucket was formed with SS.
Yes, I’m easily confused

 

The ones on my 32' are original to the car and have the Ford logo stamped into the top centered directly behind the rim in the main body of the headlight. (different 32' than my avatar photo) They also have Ford script on the glass lens>

 

Original ‘32 lights are stainless steel, - bucket and rim. Same as late model A.
I don’t know what the repops are, if steel and chrome, then a magnet would help.
Actually, a magnet may help even if repops are s/s, as the modern offshore s/s is often magnetic

 

Not sure about the buckets but original lens will have Ford on the lens. HRP

 

I've never seen a vintage headlight manufactured by Ford that wasn't stamped with Henry's logo, also, there are four types of stainless, two are at least slightly magnetic, two are not.

 

Post your question on fordbarn.com. The guy who wrote the judging standards for the Early Ford V8 Club is on there.

Charlie Stephens

 

Thanks all. Seems my question has been answered by the lack of Ford script on either the buckets or glass. Helps me describe them properly. Didn't want to improperly claim them to be original if they aren't. Not sure what that does to the value.

Paul

 

yes, and they are glass, where as a lot of aftermarket ones are a type of plastic/resin ?
If you can’t tell if they are glass - do what I did to my one and only spare one a few weeks back.
While taking it very carefully out of the attic, I put it on the shelf and as I turned around, bumped it and it smashed to pieces on the concrete floor…….….….….… …………yep, 90 year old glass shatters quite easily !