Love this forum as I always find answers to restoration problems here. Just started to restore my 1907 Marine searchlight and while installing a replacement lense the handle became detached on one side and now needs to be reattached. Can anyone tell me how these old reflectors are usually held in? I see a snap ring and wonder if I soak it with penetrant and can remove it will the reflector then fall out or are they usually glued in? I wasn't planning on removing the reflector but since the handle is separated I now need access to the back.

Thanks,
Howard Dennis

I just restored a spotlight I bought on the MTFCA classified site. The reflector was held in place by a steel "snap ring." It wasn't as corroded as yours but I sprayed it with WD 40 and popped it out with some small screw drivers. I was then able to carefully remove the lens with small screw drivers as it was a very tight fit. However the glass was held in place by spring-type clips that just fell apart due to corrosion. Cool light!

Most of these acetylene lamps have a layer of asbestos under that mirror to keep it from rubbing against the back of the lamp. It shouldn't be glued in but be sure and lay it back in before putting the mangin mirror in or it will rub the silver off the mirror.

That snap ring has the beveled front rim of the mirror trapped. Those thick type mangins are held in place by catching the bevel like yours or with wedges like Model T John Brown 16's.



What size burner does it have? I can't quite make out the letters and numbers on the burner. That is a nice looking lamp.

Ken in Texas

Thanks Robert& Ken. The burner is so small I'm having an awful time reading it. I get Pat. 589342 Cresent Dixie 3/8 F? . Here's more pictures.

Howard Dennis

I have a pair of 20th Century light and now after yesterday at Chickasha I have a 20th Century carbide generator!
Look on your light for a patent date. Mine says Pat. 1899.
Mine do not have the rear handle or the red and green side glasses. I think the red and green lenses were for the marine application.

I forgot to add the burner has a patent date of 1897 but the light itself seems to date to 1907 based on literature I found online.

Howard Dennis