Company Logo & Name (Part 5)

次回、この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

In the previous posts on Company Logos & Markings (Part 1), (Part 2) , (Part 3) and (Part 4) we took a close look at photos sent in by S-san the proud owner of a very well preserved Hikari bicycle manufactured by Dai Nippon Kikai Kougyou.  So far, we found a total of 112 "Hikari" markings.  There are also plenty of Dai Nippon Kougyou markings (DNB), but we are focusing soley on "Hikari" markings　spelled out in English or the Chinese character 光.  We have covered the front wheel portion, handlebars, main frame triangle, chaincase, pedals, rear wheel and carrier. This is the final installment of the series where we will conclude with look at a few miscellaneous items.

A typical lock from the 1950's is attached to the left seat stay.  While in the "unlocked" position the key could not be removed unitil placed in the "lock" position which consisted of pushing the bolt into the spokes.

The lock features two markings, one on the reflector portion. (1)

And one on the bolt. (1) 

Until I purchased my first vintage bicycle, I had never owned a bicycle with the typical "U-shaped" kick stand. I always had the simple "I-shaped" kick stand and recall during my childhood many a hot summer day returning to find my two-wheeled buddy had fallen over.  The combintaion of heat, weight of the bicycle and the design of the kick stand caused the kick stand to actually sink into the pavement .  Never have I had that happen with the "U-shaped" kick stand.

The "U-shaped" kick stand has the Hikari marking. (1)

These old head lamps are really neat.  Take a look at the size of the light bulb.

The older head lamps, like this one, do not have a knurled knob on the side to open like a door for changing the bulb.  Instead the entire front lens portion unscrews.

The chrome on these old head lamps is amazing.  It is not uncommon to find used ones on Yahoo aution with the chrome still in very good shape.

The generator or dynamo can often be helpful in dating a bicycle.

First thing to note is that it has a badge instead of a sticker.
If it has a badge it is likely from the 1950s or earlier. 
Second is the volts and watts, typically the higher the numbers the older it is. This particular one is a 12V 6W relatively old.  Dynamos levelled off at 6V 6W which became the standard toward the end of the 1950s into the 60s.

Also note that it has two terminal screws. One for the head lamp and one for the tail lamp. The "H" on the badge stands for "Head" and the "T" stands for "Tail".

Finally, the chainwheel.  How many logos do you see?

There are a total four logos. One on the arm which we counted in a previous post.  And, there are three cleverly casted into the design of the chainwheel. (3)

This time we have seen a total of 6 markings.  When added to the 31from Company Logos & Markings (Part 1) ,  34 from (Part2) , 18 from (Part 3), and 29 (Part 4) that gives us a grand total of 118.

A great big thank you goes out to S-san for sharing his photos with us.
If you have photos you would like to share with other enthusiasts please send them to me at showajitensha@hotmail.co.jp