The Badger Brass MFG. Co.

[c.o.]

One of my vivid memories of my time in Kenosha was the beautiful buildings where the Badger Brass company was located. I know it was their factory because it had a lovely "BRASS" sign stating that ! I hope the wrecker ball didn't get to it as it looked empty and across town Chrysler were tearing down the American motors buildings at that time.

Now you've got me wondering if that building is still standing. I cringe at the thought of historic structures coming down in the name of progress. Your recollections have reminded me that the next time I get to Calgary I should head downtown and get some pics of the old brick building that has Fred Deeley Imports still prominently lettered on the side.

Herb, I've seen advertising that included NYC as well as Kenosha. What that means for sure I'm not certain. I'm eager to give it a light cleaning and get it fired up!

I see that Fred Lange used one on his '10.....

http://www.fredlangerestorations.com/1910_harley.html

One of my vivid memories of my time in Kenosha was the beautiful buildings where the Badger Brass company was located. I know it was their factory because it had a lovely "BRASS" sign stating that ! I hope the wrecker ball didn't get to it as it looked empty and across town Chrysler were tearing down the American motors buildings at that time.

[c.o.]

C.O.,

The 1912 "MASCO" Motorcycle Accessories Company catalog lists the "Model 4, G.H. Solar Motorcycle Generator Headlight" that comes with a special bracket for an Indian, H.D., Thor, or Excelsior". The picture in the catalog is identical to the one your son gave you for Christmas. A 1913 motorcycle catalog has the same Solar light pictured for $7.50.

Check out the headlights on the 1907 Wagner motorcycles at www.granddadsbikerpics.com. They look like Solar lights too.

Well, that brought a smile to my face........ Thanks for the info. I did check out the Wagner pics..... great stuff! Thanks for posting it!

[talbot-2]

C.O.,

The 1912 "MASCO" Motorcycle Accessories Company catalog lists the "Model 4, G.H. Solar Motorcycle Generator Headlight" that comes with a special bracket for an Indian, H.D., Thor, or Excelsior". The picture in the catalog is identical to the one your son gave you for Christmas. A 1913 motorcycle catalog has the same Solar light pictured for $7.50.

Check out the headlights on the 1907 Wagner motorcycles at www.granddadsbikerpics.com. They look like Solar lights too.

[c.o.]

Thanks for the input Bill. I couldn't find anything on my particular lamp though. I did however get sidetracked on H-D patents and found some interesting stuff!

[23JDCA 808]

You can look up the U.S. patent numbers here. Print them out to keep with the lamp. ...bill
http://www.google.com/patents

[c.o.]

.")

Also, I think in my files from CATJ (photocopies) c1903-09 I have an article about Badger Brass, but PLEASE don't ask me to look for it! But if it turns up I'll tell you.

.

No worries Herb, I can imagine a search such as that could be likened to finding a sliver in the woods out back.......

[HarleyCreation]

Herb, I've seen advertising that included NYC as well as Kenosha. What that means for sure I'm not certain. I'm eager to give it a light cleaning and get it fired up!

I see that Fred Lange used one on his '10.....

http://www.fredlangerestorations.com/1910_harley.html

I "believe" the factory was in Kenosha (Wisconsin being the "Badger State.")

Also, I think in my files from CATJ (photocopies) c1903-09 I have an article about Badger Brass, but PLEASE don't ask me to look for it! But if it turns up I'll tell you.

Wonder if Badger Brass turned into something else later on? That's also a vague memory. Not sure.

[c.o.]

Herb, I've seen advertising that included NYC as well as Kenosha. What that means for sure I'm not certain. I'm eager to give it a light cleaning and get it fired up!

I see that Fred Lange used one on his '10.....

http://www.fredlangerestorations.com/1910_harley.html

[HarleyCreation]

What is the NYC connection?

I thought Badger Brass was Kenosha ("pike") Wis.? Says so on the lamp too....

Beautiful lamp and a very nice gift!

[c.o.]

Cory see if you can find a NYC address. It would be cool to go and see if the buildings still there. Bob L

I've looked but so far I only come up with NYC....that's a pretty broad address! I have not seen anything more detailed than that as of yet. If I do find something I'll post it.

awsome!!!!the lads got ya figured for sure man.

Yessir.........

Robert, the light that you have would have been used on a bicycle in all likelyhood. Most of the motorcycles had a seperate light with either an acetylene tank or a carbide generator. Solar did make some other lights bigger than what you show that had the carbide generator incorperated like yours that would be appropriate on early 1900 motor bikes. The smallest ones that normally went on a motor bike had a 4" dia. glass, though nothing is set in stone because they are all accessories. Your gift beats the heck out of a pair of socks!

It does beat a pair of socks for sure but I........... like Joe always ask for woolies...

CO--Listed as a Solar Bicycle Lamp, one very close to yours appears in the Oct 1, 1919 H-D accessory catalog. The listing has a breakdown of all the parts and fitments. I will be happy to scan it for you--Michael Paquette--6671

Michael, when you have a spare minute and if it's no trouble I'd certainly like to see that scan! Thanks!

[Paquette]

CO--Listed as a Solar Bicycle Lamp, one very close to yours appears in the Oct 1, 1919 H-D accessory catalog. The listing has a breakdown of all the parts and fitments. I will be happy to scan it for you--Michael Paquette--6671

[Robert Luland]

Robert, the light that you have would have been used on a bicycle in all likelyhood. Most of the motorcycles had a seperate light with either an acetylene tank or a carbide generator. Solar did make some other lights bigger than what you show that had the carbide generator incorperated like yours that would be appropriate on early 1900 motor bikes. The smallest ones that normally went on a motor bike had a 4" dia. glass, though nothing is set in stone because they are all accessories. Your gift beats the heck out of a pair of socks!

It's Cory's gift not mine. I could only wish someday that my offspring would put it altogether to find me a gift that fine. I didn't even get a set of socks this year but I have true beagle wuv. Bob L

[Slojo]

Do you have somthing against a pair of socks? I always ask for thick woolies.

[silentgreyfello]

Robert, the light that you have would have been used on a bicycle in all likelyhood. Most of the motorcycles had a seperate light with either an acetylene tank or a carbide generator. Solar did make some other lights bigger than what you show that had the carbide generator incorperated like yours that would be appropriate on early 1900 motor bikes. The smallest ones that normally went on a motor bike had a 4" dia. glass, though nothing is set in stone because they are all accessories. Your gift beats the heck out of a pair of socks!