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September 2009 Pic of the Month
Lighting the Way for Early Automobiles
This Solar Model 811 acetylene gas generator was made by the Badger Brass Manufacturing Co., one of the many suppliers of gas lighting systems in the United States during the first decade of the 20th century.   ID.63.122.201

This illustration from the Gray & Davis 1909 catalog shows the simple two-chamber construction of acetylene gas generators. Acetylene gas lights offered early motorists simple maintenance and operation. Maintenance required periodic cleaning of the gas burner, and refilling the water and calcium carbide chambers. With the twist of the water valve and lighting the gas burner, drivers could enjoy an evening ride in the countryside.   THF68211

 

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