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.