Lot 396
A c1900 Elrich & Graetz of Berlin 'Triumph' Acetylene Gas Lamp.
This particularly rare bicycle lamp design was retailed by Max Retemeyer in Berlin for a short period, possibly less than 18-months. Two types were offered, a version without a manually-operated lighting device, and the more expensive version where an ignition system was position behind the burner head. The basic version is illustrated in ECL 114. The example offered here is the rarely found mechanical-ignition version. The retaining pin placed behind the burner head removes to allow access to the flint chamber and gear wheel. The water reservoir is the vertical cylinder with a control valve, carrying bail and overflow system, the carbide of calcium container is the horizontal cylinder at the base. This has a screwed lid inscribed with the maker's name, opening to reveal a carbide holder with a hinged lid. Nickel-plated to a very high standard, the lamp represents late 19th century bicycle lamp manufacture at its best. 6½-inches (16cm).
