Early 40's GE Signal  

MFR:  General Electric
Make:  Single Face Adjustable Signal 
Years Made:  19xx-1949
Estimated Year:  1940's 

Lense Size:  8"
Orig City:  San Francisco, CA
Orig Color:  Dark Green
Orig Configuration:  8-8-8 
Orig Visors:  Unknown, Probably Tunnel or Full Circle
Orig Lenses: Glass, GE Logo
Orig Reflectors: Glass Bowls

Current Color:  Satin Oregano
Current Configuration:  8-8-8
Current Visors:  Undecided
Current Lenses: Glass, GE Logo, Replacement Green
Current Reflectors: Glass Bowls

Notes, Commentary, Restoration: 
This pre-1949 GE Model traffic signal was one of two from the same intersection that recently came out of the San Francisco Bay area. It is similar in design to the Econolite signals which were destined to engulf California. In fact, viewing on the Canadian GE page you'll see how little the appearance has changed in fifty years.

This light has survived its trip around the bay quite well. Preserved under several thick layers of paint the body is virtually dent-free and absent of any real corrosion or stuck screws - something many newer signals in drier climates cannot claim. The lenses are all original GE signature glass, the green was shot through some time in the past and patched with a black putty. The red and amber lenses were in pristine condition. The reflectors are a marvel of glass art. Beautifully molded in the art deco style, these mirrored bowls provided the reflector and lampholder base assembly. Harkening back to the earlier porthole era of signaling these reflectors and bulb assemblies are attached via sway-arms to the doors. Sadly, in concession to the California energy crisises of the current time, the standard bulbs had been replaced by LED lamp assemblies.

Once restored, the signal will once again use conventional bulbs and make use of the unique reflector assemblies. A pristine GE lens has been located and will be used to replace the damaged one in the signal. It is planned to repaint in the satin color "oregano", the faded greenish-tinged brown representative of so many sun-faded signals.  Visor Configuration is still under consideration.

Photographic Records: 
Before
     
     
 

After
No Pics Yet...

Copyright © 2007 The Signal Saloon
All Rights Reserved

The Signal Saloon materials, including internet pages, documents and on-line graphics, audio and video, are protected by copyright law. Copyright of The Signal Saloon materials resides with the Author. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of the United States of America, no part may be reproduced or re-used for any commercial purposes whatsoever without prior written permission of the WebMaster. Trademarks, corporation names, etc. are used without license and do not imply an endorsement of product or service.

This page was last modified on 08 September 2006.