Front Headlamp (Headlight) Part 5

次回、この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

In Part 1 of this series Front Headlamp (Headlight) we began looking at vintage Japanese bicycle headlamps, and, examined the various mounting locations and hardware (brackets) in Part 2.  In Part 3 and Part 4, respectively, we examined the features that typically signify the headlamps before and after 1955. In this post, Part 5, we will look at some interesting headlamps.

1. Pilot light
Starting in the mid-1950s some models came equipped with a pilot light.  The pilot light was a smaller light bulb which was not as bright, nor as big, as the main light bulb, kind of a low-beam, high-beam function on automobile headlights.

Some models had switches to change back and forth between the pilot light and main light.


This particular model, as we saw in Part 4, has the typical features of a mid-1950s headlamp; bullet-shaped, hinged front cover, push-button opening, and single flange.


This model is a National, manufactured by Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.

Another example of the pilot light, this one made by Hatsune.

The same concept of two bulbs, one pilot light and the other the main light.

This particular model, again as we saw in Part 4, has the typical features of a mid-1950s headlamp; bullet-shaped, hinged front cover, screw-opening, and single flange.



Interestingly, this model houses not only a spare main light bulb but also a spare pilot light bulb.

2. Headlamp & speedometer
Though not from the 1950s, here is an interesting model that comes with a built-in speedometer manufactured by Sankyo.
Note:  Special thanks to Mr. Yatabe, owner of CHOJU JITENSHA SHOKAI (Long Life Bicycle Shop) in Komae City, Tokyo, who at 94, is still fixing flats, repairing bicycles and kindly shared with me the following headlamp.

ヘッドランプ 第4回

I'll be back with another English post soon until then stay trued and happy wheels. 

このヘッドランプ連載では、
「ヘッドランプ第1回」（国産ヘッドランプの紹介）
「ヘッドランプ第2回」（さまざまな取り付け位置とランプ掛け）
「ヘッドランプ第３回」（昭和30年以前３つの特徴）
今回の投稿では、ヘッドランプが 31年（1956）以降であることを示す特徴を見ていきます。

1. 弾丸型
昭和31年(1956年)以降、モデルラインナップの主流は弾丸型。

 

昭和32年（1957）カタログ

2. ガラス製レンズ
弾丸型に加えて、レンズ （フロントガラス）サイズの主流は 2" 7/8 吋(約73mm) 未満です。

2" 3/4 吋 (約 70mm)

3. フロントカバー 
⓵ 扉開き式
ちょうつがいでフロントカバーとボディに繋いでいて扉開きで開きます。 

⓶フロントカバーを開けるには本体の側面にプッシュボタンまたは小さなネジで解除します。
小さなネジ

小さなネジを緩める

フロントカバー解除

③ 電球ソケットはフロントカバーのリフレクター部に嵌っています。

4. ランプ掛け用フランジ
ヘッドランプのベースにあるクランプ ジョイントにはスペーサーがなく、フランジ一つです。

スペーサー無し


フランジ一つ

この連載の次回では、いくつかの興味深いヘッドランプ デザインを取り上げます。

Front Headlamp (Headlight) Part 4

次回、この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

In Part 1 of this series Front Headlamp (Headlight) we began looking at vintage Japanese bicycle headlamps, and, examined the various mounting locations and hardware (brackets) in Part 2.  In Part 3, we examined the three features that, when all are present, typically signify the headlamp is mid-1950s or older. In this post, Part 4, we will look at the features that signify the headlamp may be mid-1950s or younger.

1. Bullet Shape
From 1956 onward the predominant style in the model lineup is the bullet shape.

 

Bicycle catalog 1957

2. Lens Size
Along with the bullet shape, the predominant lens sizes are less than 2" 7/8 (73mm).

2" 3/4 inch (approx. 70mm)

3. Front cover 
⓵ Hinged
The front cover is hinged. 

⓶Front cover typically opens with either a push button, or, tiny screw located on the side. 

③ The lightbulb socket fits inside the reflector in the front cover.

4. Clamp Joint
The clamp joint at the base of the headlamp has no spacer and is commonly a single flange.
No spacer


Single flange

In the next installment in this headlamp series, we will take a look at some interesting headlamp designs.