Through a turn of events I have a pair of what is said to be never used Woodlite Headlights from the 20's sitting in my lap..... Problem is, I dont know how to tell if they are real or knock off's. I know some of you are definitely in the know on older vehicles so any help would be appreciated. Sorry I dont have pics, but they seem to be polished steel with brass on the inside for the housing I guess. No bulb or wiring though. Pristine condition, which is why I am kind of tossed on if they are real or not.

Any help would be appreciated,
Thanks,
Josh

 

Woodlight (not woodlite) headlights were not usualy original equipment.
Cars from the late 20's and 30'. Some custom builders like Auburn used them but on a customer order basis.

A company called American Arrow made knockoffs but I cannnot remember if they called their products Woodlight or Woodlites.
Still, if in good condition,,,,they are rare and usefull to restorers and rat rod builders.

Bulbs would be unimportant as working 6volt ones would be hard to find and most builders have upgraded to 12 volt.

That's all I remember on the subject. Sorry not much. Not sure how much is even accurate. You did page for "old folks"

Again,I would persue rat rod builders unless you can veryfy they are authentic.

 

Thanks Franc for getting back so quick. The company brass tag with patent numbers definitely says Woodlite on it, and on the little research I was able to dig up the name seemed correct. Like I said though I am not sure. I will try to find a rat rod forum and post up on there. Thanks again though, and I never said "old"!!! I said "older" lol, IMO your not old until you're past tense!

 

Well, don't make decisions based on my memory. There actually are Old gaffers here who may know more and better info.

I did rebuild some late 30' Fords and other Stuff. My grandpas REO, what was left of it, had Woodlights on it. I was ten when I first got to drive it around the farm.So my association with that vintage is casual at best..

good luck with those things. They could be worth $1,500 bucks so don't give them away.




Here's some on an Auburn


And the Advertisement referred to them as Woodlites so maybe you have the real deal.

 

Here's a set on ebay for comparrison. He's selling just the lenses for over $600. Woodlite Replacement Glass Lenses A Pair | eBay

 

Thats them alright! Surprisingly for have "never been used" they look really good, don't need any touch-up. Im not the actual owner, she is just stone-age as far as the internet is concerned and Im trying to help her out.

I heard that the knock offs were aluminum. I took a magnet and stuck it on, it's definitely steel. The plaque is somewhat faded in areas but still legible. I also tried searching the patent numbers and nothing came up in the patent database... Not sure what to think on that one, supposedly there werent many made so maybe it just never made its way to the current internet record?? Who knows..

 

That plaque on it is exact matching to the set here, numbers, words, all of it match.

 

Well,it sounds like you have the real deal.

Put pics up on EBay and start at $1,500 for the pair.

good luck

 

I passed you questionaroundonanotheforum Most of the guys agree, $500 buck a piece would be theleast you shouldexpect. $1,500.00 for the pair should get them off your porch.

 

She ended up posting them on antique auto club of america and within 5 minutes she got a PM from someone with an email address and phone number. They are trying to get everything sorted still but they should be sold pretty soon. I am just surprised the condition they were in, untouched with no corrosion or anything. Thats what happens in a dry climate like the middle of the desert though lol.

 

I am suprised that 180 has not replied. I thought he made those just before he retired? I could be wrong...

 

Shouldn't you be working 12 hours a day?

 

LOL....your a mean one........ Mr. Beaner.
180 was holding out from replying in this thread for obvious reasons.