Summary

A portable, electric morse signalling lamp, used for daylight communications, by the office of the Postmaster General, Melbourne, during World War 2.

This signalling lamp used an external battery as a power source. An adjustable screen is provided (used with a coloured lens) for night time signalling under enemy observation.

Jospeh Lucas Ltd was founded by Joseph Lucas (1834-1902) in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in 1897, as a manufacturer of bicycle lamps, bicycle accessories, and motorcycle and automotive electrical parts and accessories. The lamp design was patented in 1916 by Oliver Lucas (1892-1948), the grandson of Joseph, and was known as the "Lucas" or "O.L" lamp. It was used for military communications during World War 1 and also through to World War 2.

Physical Description

Wooden box painted olive green, with a canvas cover on top. Contains the following parts: Morse key (attached to underside of box lid flap); large lamp lens (electric signalling lamp, daylight, Mark II - 1918, made by Jos Lucas Ltd, Birmingham); adjustable screen; mounting adaptor; sighting tube; bulb holder; ground spike and spike extension pieces; box of spare bulbs and fittings; small lamp lens; electrical cable; three filters (red, yellow, blue); canvas webbing shoulder strap.

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