Early Cycle Lighting 1868-1948

Very soon after the development and popularization of the bicycle in the nineteenth century, keen cyclists realised that in order to cycle in the dark, some form of lighting was essential, both to light the way ahead, but also to alert other road users. Manufacturers were quick to respond to demand, and soon a wide range of simple lamps was available, usually fuelled by oil. But cycle lamps quickly grew in sophistication as makers tried to out-do one another with the style and...
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Very soon after the development and popularization of the bicycle in the nineteenth century, keen cyclists realised that in order to cycle in the dark, some form of lighting was essential, both to light the way ahead, but also to alert other road users. Manufacturers were quick to respond to demand, and soon a wide range of simple lamps was available, usually fuelled by oil. But cycle lamps quickly grew in sophistication as makers tried to out-do one another with the style and efficiency of their lamps. The acetylene cycle lamps of the early part of the twentieth century are stunning examples of decorative design and manufacture. Peter Card has been collecting early lamps, in all the bewildering varieties, for decades. This detailed book covering eighty years of cycle lamps is the result of years of reasearch. AUTHOR: Peter Card runs an auction business specializing in transport memorabilia. He has been collecting for many yaers. He is a member of the Advisory Council of the National Motor Museum. He lives in Somerset. SELLING POINTS: A detsiled and engrossing book covering the period 1868-1948; eighty years of cycle lamps from candle to batetry powered. Of great interest to anyone interested in early bicycles and transport memorabilia in general. 340 colour photos