Anyone have a clue what this part is?

[unclemiltie]

I have had this over 20 years and never have seen another like it. I look at car shows etc but never see one. The only name on it is in big letters on the one side, "20th Century". I got it with a bunch of emblems etc which are from cars in the 20's and 30's.. It has a clear lens on one end and red on the other. The little valve hanging down turns and I assume lets liquid drip out. I am thinking it was an aftermarket part. The emblems it came with were mostly Studebaker. Thanks




Milt

1947 Champion (owned since 1967)
1961 Hawk
1964 Convertable
1967 Avanti
1961 Lark 2 door
1950 Commander Starlight

[klifton1]

Is there a wick inside? It sure looks like a marker light of some kind.
Klif

55 Speedster
63 Avanti R2
63 Lark R2

[tutone63]

If that was the case, where would the reservoir to hold the fluid be? I thought it might be a light of some kind as well, but with a drain plug to remove condensation or water of some kind, but the more I looked at it, the less that seemed likely. I have no clue what it is, hopefullly someone out there may know.




1963 Lark, 259 V8, two-tone paint, Twin Traction.

[klifton1]

Depending on the year or car, the Prestolite,or Carbide reservior could have been on the running board or any other place on the car or bike.
Klif

55 Speedster
63 Avanti R2
63 Lark R2

[Aussie Hawk]

Has it got a burner nozzle inside? That looks like a gas tap coming out of the bottom - maybe a carbide marker lamp ?

Matt
Brisbane
Australia

[Milaca]

Break it apart with a hammer and see whats inside of it. Just kidding...please don't hurt me [B)]


SnowLark
In the middle of Minnestudea

[sbca96]

Early 'Flux Capacitor', later revisions were used in a De Lorean.

Tom

'63 Avanti, zinc plated drilled & slotted 03 Mustang Cobra 13" front disc/98 GT rear brakes, 03 Cobra 17" wheels, GM alt, 97 Z28 leather seats, soon: TKO 5-spd, Ported heads w/SST full flow valves, 'R3' 276 cam, Edelbrock AFB Carb, GM HEI distributor, 8.8mm plug wires

[52-fan]

The 20th century part makes me think of a train. Could it be off of a locomotive of some sort?

"In the heart of Arkansas."
1952 Champion Starlight w/overdrive. Searcy, Arkansas

[klifton1]

Is it for sale?
Klif

55 Speedster
63 Avanti R2
63 Lark R2

[fargoguy]

my guess is an early tailliamp for a bicycle.

Evan Davis
Prairie Bulletin
Saskatchewan Chapter
Prince Albert, Sk

http://www.saskstudebaker.ca/Studebaker.html

[unclemiltie]

Thanks to those that have responded.

Milt

1947 Champion (owned since 1967)
1961 Hawk
1964 Convertable
1967 Avanti
1961 Lark 2 door
1950 Commander Starlight

[lotsalarks]

There was a "20th Century Motor Company" in Ayn Rand's novel [u]Atlas Shrugged</u>. I just re-read it for the third time... it's amazing how much the story (written in late 40's or early 50s, I think) mirrors the socio-political events of today. In [u]Atlas Shrugged</u>, the 20th Century Motor Company was a prosperous company that was driven into the ground both by their union and poor fiscal management by the heirs of the original founder. The novel describes the automobiles as having luxurious quality and cutting-edge technology.

~Lori

"The Common Sense Car"


'61 Lark "Isabella"
'63 Lark "Lucy"
'63 Wagonaire "Carl"
A bunch of other Larks
'50 Starlight, '55 Speedster , '58 Packard Hardtop, '59 Pickup, '64 Avanti "Jerry"