Rear number plate light glass

[jagnut66]

Hi,
I have just changed my number plate light, as the old black one was past its best, however I noticed, upon removal, that the original ones glass is etched with the Lucas name and a number.
Does this mean anything or did all the original ones come like this (image below)?
Many thanks,
Mike.

[philthehill]

I do not remember seeing any etching on Lucas number plate light lenses. All I have ever seen is plain glass lenses.

Here is a number plate lens for sale on 'e' bay with the number in raised number/letters on the glass.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LUCAS-467-2- ... SwwRtdWbNN

[jagnut66]

Here is a number plate lens for sale on 'e' bay with the number in raised number/letters on the glass.

Hi Phil,
Same numbers though, interesting, so which came first? The etching or raised digits in the glass?
Can anybody else shed some light (no pun intended)........
Best wishes,
Mike.

[firedrake1942]

Not seen an etched one, mine has letters raised in the glass itself simply 'Lucas England.' I suspect yours may be quite rare.

[myoldjalopy]

I have one with etched glass too - it came from a car registered January 1955.....
But it is not quite the same as Mike's. 467/2 is at the top, just left of centre (when viewing as in Mike's photo) and LUCAS at the top, just right of centre and the lettering for these is slightly smaller than on Mike's. MADE IN ENGLAND is in the same and the same size as Mike's. Maybe even rarer!

[alanworland]

Had to go and have a look at mine!
All upsidedown when viewed from the rear but moulded in the top of the flat section is Made in England and Lucas 467.

Alan

[geoberni]

Had to go and have a look at mine!
All upsidedown when viewed from the rear but moulded in the top of the flat section is Made in England and Lucas 467.

Alan

Now you've gone and started something....

20190827_121134.jpg (359.52 KiB) Viewed 1196 times

Snap.
Basil is a '55, but I can't vouch for if it is original fit. I know a number of parts were donated from at least 1 other car that was much later registration.
I've yet to work out how he got a latter type handbrake lever with the end button instead of the palm squeeze type, but it's a fully chromed lever. Someone did suggest it might have come from a more expensive Austin/Morris model.

[jagnut66]

Wow, I am now going to extract my glass, give it a good clean and refit in my new lamp housing.
My car is from 1954 by the way.
I wonder, this may make it into 'Original Morris Minor' and end up being a 'make or break' concourse issue!
Imagine the chaos, with people smashing other peoples number plate lamps because they themselves had the wrong glass fitted and lost!.............
Best wishes,
Mike.

[jagnut66]

Seriously though, all information is good information and I am now following this post with interest.

[jagnut66]

Indeed I have now extracted the glass from the scrap lid and given it a good clean, the rust staining has come off well, so I will refit this glass in the new lamp holder.
Stating that it's not that common has made me quite fond of it.....
I have to go now, as they have come with my new straight jacket............
Best wishes,
Mike.

[myoldjalopy]

Before they carry you off, you might like to see my etched glass variant which I mentioned earlier:

2019-08-27 22.14.18.jpg (1.39 MiB) Viewed 1131 times

[jagnut66]

Excellent, so there's two of us out there but not quite the same, so individuality preserved.
What year is your car?
Looks like the housing is in as bad a state as mine was, though I'd say your glass will go again like mine.
Go on, refit the glass!
It might save you going round your tires with a toothbrush at the next concourse event!
Best wishes,
Mike.

[alanworland]

Most interesting!
Not sure what finish the cover 'ought' to be? I originally fitted a nice chrome one but changed it a few years ago to a powder coated black one which I think looks better - less 'blingy'?

Alan

[myoldjalopy]

Mike - my car was registered January 1955. Yes, I think I will clean up and re-fit the old glass......will make the old girl a bit more original again!
Alan - I think the black ones were standard and the chrome ones an optional choice.......