Lot 432
A c1897 Union Lamp Co. 'Williams Globe' kerosene-powered bicycle lamp. Manufactured under the patents of E. L. Williams, the 'Globe' series of lamps were designed for boulevard riding at night with sixteen coloured multi-faceted red, green, blue and opaque, glasses giving, when lit, a sparkling and colourful effect. Much admired by lady riders who took their exercise riding in public parks of an evening and wanted to be noticed Several different versions were manufactured, and this lamp is an example of the rarest found today, retaining its bail, suspension arm and mounting bracket, the object of the lamp design being for it to appear to float and bounce in front of the bicycle. In very sound condition, the lamp has not been molested and retains undamaged glasses, opening side window for lighting, winding burner and the aforementioned suspension bracket. A particularly rare lamp, with only six lamps of this type known to survive in complete condition. ECL 71.
