Can anyone give me an idea of what the value would be for a set of completely restored, brass trimmed lamps for a 1915 Model T? The set has all three lamps (left/right/rear) and the only problem is one brass top is a reproduction and the red lens on the tail light is cracked. Other than that the lamps are fantastic!
Early 1915 gas lights, or later 1915 electric? Didn't they change during the 1915 model year?
These would just be the oil lights, not the headlights. The 1916 model year just had all black lights.
They are the side/tail lamps not the headlamps.
$75 a piece is what I saw them for a few years ago. Wouldn't be surprised to see $500 for a complete set now.
just my guess.
Anyone else?
Rich
I think about $350 for the set,perhaps a little higher for a very nice set.
Wilbur, to be 1915 lights they need to have the round 'Diver's bell' reflectors inside. If they have, then they would be around $450 for a restored set in Australia.
Not that this means much in your market.
allan from down under.
Wilber -- As Allan alluded, be sure they are real '15 lamps. There are lots of lamps out there which are later ones with brass trim, making them look somewhat like '15 lamps. One thing to look for is the round reflector, as he said. Later ones had "square" reflectors. Also, the chimneys on 15-16's have a row of vent holes at the base of the chimneys which was eliminated on later lamps. If they are E&J lamps, they will say so on the tops and on the wick adjusting knobs. Those should have two rivets at the lens latch. Other brands have no markings and should have 1 rivet at the latch. If they are correct and nice, I'd say they're worth about $125 apiece. At least that's what they usually go for on ebay, and what folks often ask for them at swap meets. If they're later lamps with brass trim, they're worth much less (to me, at least).
I just bought a perfect 15 taillight at Hershey for $100.
Well, I checked the lamps over and they have the correct chimneys with vent holes at the base. The two side lamps have the correct "Divers Bell" reflectors but only one brass rivet at the lens latch and two rivets at the hinge. However, the tail lamp has the squared reflector and two brass rivets at the latch and two on the hinge. Also, no markings at all on the wick adjusting knobs. All tops and rims are brass and properly marked.
I don't remember for sure but, I think the markings on the brass tops should be Model 8 for the sidelights and Model 9 for the tail.