Vintage Chrome-Plated Steel Automotive Headlight Housings and Side Mirror
Automotive Parts (Non-Silver Hardware) · Unknown automotive manufacturer; possibly Cibié, Lucas, or Hella for European classic cars.
Pattern: Standard utilitarian industrial design for mid-century vehicles.
Type
Automotive Parts (Non-Silver Hardware)
Maker
Unknown automotive manufacturer; possibly Cibié, Lucas, or Hella for European classic cars.
Material
Chrome-plated steel or polished stainless steel with glass lenses; contains no precious metal (silver).
Dimensions
Standard 7-inch diameter for large headlights; mirror approx 4x6 inches; total weight approx 2kg.
Description
A set of vintage automotive exterior components consisting of two circular headlight assemblies and one rectangular wing mirror. While they possess a reflective surface, they are industrial steel components rather than decorative silverware.
Key Features
Reflective chrome surface, electrical pigtail wires, and convex glass lens characteristic of automotive lighting.
Material & Composition
Chrome-plated steel or polished stainless steel with glass lenses; contains no precious metal (silver).
Finish & Decoration
High-polish industrial chrome finish; utilitarian and weather-resistant rather than decorative.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None; likely features automotive part numbers or manufacturer stamps (e.g., 'Made in France' or 'E' markings) on the glass or rear housing.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed steel bowls, die-cast mirror arm, and vacuum-sealed glass beam units.
Functional Features
Electrical wiring leads for bulbs, mounting studs for chassis attachment, and a ball-joint pivot for the mirror.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; features a mounting stem for attachment to a car fender or door.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial assembly with machine-crimped edges and standardized fittings.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of electrical wires and mounting hardware confirms these are vehicle parts, not silverware or hollowware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely France (based on 'leboncoin' watermark), produced in an industrial automotive plant.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Automotive (1960s-1970s); consistent with classic European car aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1965-1975 based on the housing shape and mirror arm design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war boom in European automotive travel and industrial manufacturing.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; visible surface pitting and oxidation on the chrome, exposed wiring suggests used/salvaged status.
Value Estimate
$40-$80 USD as used vintage auto parts for a restorer; $0 as scrap silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with chrome polish or WD-40 to remove rust spots; do not use silver polish as it is too abrasive for chrome plating.
Similar Pieces
Chrome-plated bathroom fixtures or industrial flashlights; both use similar finishes but lack silver content.
Interesting Facts
Items like these are often mistaken for 'silver' by novice collectors due to the chrome shine used to prevent rust on cars.