Man Demonstrating "Automobile Protector"
Dateprobably 1906
MediumPhotography; gelatin emulsion on glass
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 5 x 7in. (12.7 x 17.8cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase
DescriptionA man sits behind an automobile steering wheel inside a room. Attached to the steering wheel shaft is a device which appears to be a screen for oncoming headlights. The man wears a cap, a long-sleeved jersey, and trousers. The man is posed in front of a plain backdrop, behind which patterned wallpaper is visible. A corner of an iron bed and mattress is at the far left.
Object number1995.36.1722
NotesSubject Note: This wheel and mechanism can be seen in 1995.36.1624 and 1995.36.1625. (Agins 7/25/2013)Subject Note: The device in the photograph was patented by David F. Armstrong (1883-1960) in 1906. He called it an "automobile protector." It consisted of a frame mounted on the automobile steering wheel and fitted with a semi-opaque screen to be used when driving at night to cut the glare from oncoming headlights. (Finlay 1/22/2014)
On View
Not on view