Antique Belgian Car Lamp Innovation Automobile – Dethoor et Schinckus, Brussels, c. 1900–1915 – Working Kerosene Lamp with Red Side Lens

This antique car lamp comes from Belgium and carries the maker's plate Innovation Automobile — Dethoor et Schinckus — Bruxelles.

I have been researching the firm behind that plate. An invoice from 1919 shows Georges Dethoor of Ixelles offering lanterns for sale under the heading "Fournitures générales pour Autos" — but by then under his own name alone, with Schinckus no longer in the business. This lamp, carrying both names on its plate, therefore most likely predates 1919; my estimate is somewhere between 1900 and 1915. The business carried on for years afterwards: in May 1925 it advertised at 55 Rue Simonis in Brussels as L'Innovation Automobile, described as "Anciens Établissements Dethoor", and by October 1927 it had moved to Rue de Spa. What became of Schinckus, and whether Dethoor made the lamps himself or bought them in, is still open — that research is ongoing.

The lamp burns kerosene and has been fitted with a new wick. The glass is in good condition, and there is a red lens on the side as well.

For its age the condition is very good. The only fault is a dent in the top. The lamp is in working order.

Measurements:
Height: 25 cm (9.8 in), with the top extended
Width: 14 cm (5.5 in)

A lamp whose story is not finished yet — if you know more about Dethoor et Schinckus, I would be glad to hear it.