Monogram Headlight Conversion?

[Hudson29]

Herb Iffrig just posted a picture of a T in 1914 with an electric conversion of its gas lights. I have seen a few of these pictures now and am wondering if my own '14 which has been converted at some point might actually be a "period" conversion.

The lenses have the name MONOGRAM cast into them with a dot pattern type. There is an intricate logo with a shield, a viking long boat & an eagle and the word TOP is at the top.

I have not investigated how these come apart yet but it does look as if the reflectors will have to come off to change the bulb.

Is this a period conversion? Is it part of a kit including these headlight lenses? Has anyone seen the MONOGRAM lenses before?

[Hudson29]

The switch that was in the car looks old. I "improved" it by spraying some contact cleaner into it. I "improved" it so much that it quit working! It has now been replaced with a repop 1915 style magneto headlight switch which looks right at home in the dash & works well.

Is this switch a part of a kit or something that was added later?

[Rich Eagle]

I've seen lots of Monogram lenses at swap meets. Some have logos like Overland script, WK and I even saw a Rickenbacker with the hat in the ring in the center of the lens. I have never seen that particular logo though.
Fun!
Rich

[speedytinc]

that bucket looks like a stock black t headlite. any evidence of rivet holes on the bottom? lenses may be common assorted size replacements. have seen that name brand in stock black t buckets. woody was quite the guy to adapt stuff, as you know.

[Hudson29]

This car is full of mysteries and has never been boring!

I'll have to go out and look over the headlight bucket carefully to see about the rivet holes. I'll shoot a few more pictures while I'm at it.

The headlight doors are pretty well battered. The rest of the brass (outside of the horn) is pretty nice. I wonder if the damage might have been done while "adapting" the headlights?

[Erik Johnson]

My dad's 1927 Hupmobile had Monogram headlight lenses. They were fluted but had no automobile company logo. Just "Monogram" and "top" as shown in photo.

I'm wondering if your lenses are from a 1929 or 1930 Viking? That was a product of Oldsmobile/GM.

[Hudson29]

My dad's 1927 Hupmobile had Monogram headlight lenses. They were fluted but had no automobile company logo. Just "Monogram" and "top" as shown in photo.

I'm wondering if your lenses are from a 1929 or 1930 Viking? That was a product of Oldsmobile/GM.

What an intriguing possibility! This car looks like a '14 in the parts that can be seen on the outside but it has a later motor, chassis & rear axle. Viking headlight lenses would make it even more of a mixmaster.

[Hudson29]

that bucket looks like a stock black t headlite. any evidence of rivet holes on the bottom? lenses may be common assorted size replacements. have seen that name brand in stock black t buckets. woody was quite the guy to adapt stuff, as you know.

Well spotted John! Here are a few pics shot minutes ago:

The holes can clearly be seen along with the dirt that was under the mounting bracket. How early were these buckets used?

[DanTreace]

Those buckets are approx. 1917 or 18 to 1925. The ones from '16 to perhaps '17 have the adj. screw on top of the socket, i.e., in-line with the mounting bracket.

Seems your Monogram mfg. lens might have the early Mayflower emblem of Plymouth. Monogram made many makes of lens for the various auto companies and molded that company's logo on the face of the lens.

[Hudson29]

Those buckets are approx. 1917 or 18 to 1925. The ones from '16 to perhaps '17 have the adj. screw on top of the socket, i.e., in-line with the mounting bracket.

Seems your Monogram mfg. lens might have the early Mayflower emblem of Plymouth. Monogram made many makes of lens for the various auto companies and molded that company's logo on the face of the lens.

Thanks Dan. I have seen some of the Plymouth logos over the years and they all seemed to have ships with more than one mast. This ship has only the single mast. Also I see there is an arm in an awkward position holding a torch, not the best designed logo I have ever seen.