Bought these two items a little while ago. Both are from the 1920's-30's.

The key board is complete with all the original keys with the correct corresponding numbers on them. I believe there are three master keys that fit multiple locks.

The tin litho policeman is a killer early piece with the original box. It is designed to be mounted in the rear window. When the brakes are applied the forward inertia causes a weight to swing forward causing the policeman's arms to swing out. Upon accelerating the weight falls back and the arms swing back.

Had to pay a kings ransom for that policeman!

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Wow that policeman thing is an incredible piece!!! Absolutely Amazing!!
But I have to say, thank God for the invention of brake lights!!

Hard to imagine an era without brake lights...when were they put in? And at that time of transition, what speeds could cars go?

I wanted to add that the policeman is really something! I wonder how many were made?

Never seen or even heard of one of these. About what year would this be ?

great pieces Dave!!! love them both!

Those model T key racks are very sought after. Great find with all the keys and the master keys!!

These are awesome thanks for sharing!

Thanks!!

Nicole, here's an article from Popular Mechanics from January 1918. This was the beginning of the introduction of brake lights on automobiles as far as I could ascertain.

The top speed of 40–45 miles per hour (65–70 km/h) was pretty good in my opinion considering the 4 cylinder engine only generated 20 horsepower. Today entry level ride on lawn mowers are making more horse power than that.

Craig, Model T's were produced from 1908 to 1927. The Model T key rack is from the 1920's. I believe the police man is also from the 1920's.

some cool automotive displayable pieces ...

Two excellent pieces of history, there... Thanks for sharing, Dave!

Never seen the policeman before, it's cool and the keyboard is nice as well.



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Kurt

Dave - Nice article...can you imagine fumbling for that switch during an emergency stop?

Went back and read to box--it looks to be a cheaper and easier-to-install alternative to the do-it-yourself switch. It must have been mounted on the outside of the back window.

I think if I were behind a car with it, I would be staring at the policeman, paying no attention whatsoever to what the car was doing when the arms went up. Wonder if that thing was a regular jumping jack on the kinds of bumpy roads they had back then.

Thanks for showing us...

Cool! that is awesome.

Got this parts book (dated 1941). Lots of exploded views of parts and other black & white illustrations. In the entire book it has only one color illustration. That would be an awesome battery rack to find. Has anyone seen one of these racks in person?

Dave, you always find the coolest stuff!!

I have seen just the oval sign from the battery rack and I always wondered what it's purpose was with the lower grommet holes. Great evidence and thanks for posting Dave.

I wonder, if it is a battery rack that was only available in Canada?

WOW! A couple of things I have not seen before, thanks for sharing them.