Re: [CR]Hetchins lamps or lanterns, what is appropriate?

(Example: Framebuilders:Tony Beek)

Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2008 12:13:44 -0500
To: rapidfire10ring@hotmail.com, Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "John Betmanis" <johnb@oxford.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Hetchins lamps or lanterns, what is appropriate?
In-Reply-To: <676114.67215.qm@web51605.mail.re2.yahoo.com>


At 04:53 PM 15/11/2008 -0800, bruce thomson wrote:
> I have purchased a 1954 Experto Crede  and wanted to
>know what type of lamp goes on the lamp bracket.  I have perused the UK
>site and most lamps are vintage carbide lanterns.  Which ones are
>appropriate. Does anyone have a style or brand that is appropriate or have
>an auction number to which I can refer?    Bruce

The most common bicycle front light used by clubmen in the UK in the 1950s was the Everready lamp you see on this bike: http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/bikes/rra-kohler.html They used a flat 4.5 volt battery and also came in black. I've seen chrome ones like it on eBay from time to time, but I think those are newer.

As for carbide, they were no longer common in the 1950s except as a curiosity. There was one guy in the club who put a 5 pound carbide lamp on his 20 pound bike for a joke. It lit up the road like a powerful car driving light.

John Betmanis
Woodstock, Ontario
Canada