Young Man with "Automobile Protector"
Dateprobably 1906
MediumPhotography; gelatin emulsion on glass
DimensionsPlate (height x width): 5 x 7in. (12.7 x 17.8cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase
DescriptionA young man wearing a cap faces the camera next to an automobile steering wheel. A light control device has been attached to the steering wheel. The device seems to be a manually-operated light blocking mechanism. Patterned wallpaper is on the wall in the background.
Object number1995.36.1624
InscribedUpper left, inscribed in negative, "No light in view"; lower left, inscribed in negative, "When not in use. / When no light is near".NotesSubject Note: This wheel and mechanism can be seen in 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.
On View
Not on view