Wanted: 1895 "Search Light" reflector, added photo

[OxYossi]

Hello,
I'm looking for reflector for "Search Light" lantern model A , 1895
I add a pictures of the reflector from the net.
If you have better picture of ithe reflector, please upload it here.
Thanks, Yossi

added: Back photo

 

[Andrew Gorman]

What is the diameter of the reflector? I can check the lamp boneyard box.

 

[OxYossi]

Hi,
I don't have the reflector,
I made a draw of what I believe is the shape of the reflector, by the incomplete lamp that I have and the pictures from the net.
I think that it it made from one piece of chrome coatied brass.
Thanks, Yossi

 

[The Carolina Rambler]

Hi,
I don't have the reflector,
I made a draw of what I believe is the shape of the reflector, by the incomplete lamp that I have and the pictures from the net.
I think that it it made from one piece of chrome coatied brass.
Thanks, Yossi

View attachment 1521904

Hello Yossi, I just now found your thread, and might have some advice to offer. If you are not able to find an original exact reflector for your headlight, you might can fabricate one inexpensively at home. It might not be totally exact to the original, but it would be close, and would work and look good. Oddly enough, on a lot of these 1890s bicycle headlights, the reflectors are often not made of nickel plated brass like the rest of the headlight is, but are instead made of polished aluminum. Aluminum was viewed of as an advanced and futuristic metal in the 1890s, and that is part of the reason why it was favored for use in this way at the time, in addition to its corrosion and heat resistance. What you might think of trying would be to go and buy a canned drink like a soda, and choose a can that looks close to the diameter you need. You could then, with scissors, cut out the bottom of the can which is concave like the original headlight reflectors, and then fabricate a new reflector from that. The aluminum would already be quite polished and shiny, and could be polished more, and if done right you could probably make a really good quality part. The thickness of aluminum in most drink cans is comparable to that of the original reflectors. That is just an idea that you could try, if all else fails, or if you want to save a little money. Here is an example of the can you would look for:

 

[OxYossi]

Hello Yossi, I just now found your thread, and might have some advice to offer. If you are not able to find an original exact reflector for your headlight, you might can fabricate one inexpensively at home. It might not be totally exact to the original, but it would be close, and would work and look good. Oddly enough, on a lot of these 1890s bicycle headlights, the reflectors are often not made of nickel plated brass like the rest of the headlight is, but are instead made of polished aluminum. Aluminum was viewed of as an advanced and futuristic metal in the 1890s, and that is part of the reason why it was favored for use in this way at the time, in addition to its corrosion and heat resistance. What you might think of trying would be to go and buy a canned drink like a soda, and choose a can that looks close to the diameter you need. You could then, with scissors, cut out the bottom of the can which is concave like the original headlight reflectors, and then fabricate a new reflector from that. The aluminum would already be quite polished and shiny, and could be polished more, and if done right you could probably make a really good quality part. The thickness of aluminum in most drink cans is comparable to that of the original reflectors. That is just an idea that you could try, if all else fails, or if you want to save a little money. Here is an example of the can you would look for:

View attachment 1521908 View attachment 1521911

Thanks for the good advice,
At this point I am still looking for the original reflector,
If I give up, it seems to me that I will follow your advice
Thanks, Yossi

 

[bikebozo]

Nickle plated, not chrome

 

[Andrew Gorman]

Only one I have is 1 1/2" in diameter. It's held in place by a single rivet at the center rear of the reflector through the lamp shell. Several others just had a polished, somewhat parabolic back to the shell.

 

[OxYossi]

Hi,
I just saw your reply, sorry for my very slow response.
I think the reflector should be bigger and one piece with the metal around it like in my drawing,.
Mybe it can help me for other lamp, Do you have the oil tank of the lamp in your picture ?
Thanks, Yossi

 

[Andrew Gorman]

Sadly, no oil tank. Just some junk from redneckistan auctions years ago.

 

[OxYossi]

Sadly, no oil tank. Just some junk from redneckistan auctions years ago.

Thanks