Luxor - Bray 335 - Bicycle light - 1900

This object is a functioning antique carbide bicycle lamp from the Luxor brand, probably dating back to the early 1900s.

Operation: It used a chemical reaction between water and calcium carbide to produce acetylene gas, which burned to produce light.

Characteristics: Made of metal, it has a front lens and small colored side glass panes.

Collecting: It is a vintage piece highly sought after by collectors of antique bicycles.

Luxor Headlamp Features
These devices were advanced technological instruments for their time and stand out for:

Operation: They used the reaction between calcium carbide and water to produce acetylene gas, which was then burned to generate a bright light.

Structure: Usually made of metal (often nickel-plated brass), they feature a water reservoir on top and a carbide reservoir below.

Details: The Luxor model is often recognizable by the raised inscription on the top part of the headlamp and the side coloured gems (usually green and red) that served as position indicators.