Ancient Accessory #255 - Clip-on Candle Windscreen Defroster

[Otto Puzzell]

For one point: identify this automotive accessory and its purpose.  

Only a complete and specific answer will earn a point!  

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[Otto Puzzell]

Rookies don't hold a candle to Experts...

[fyreline]

I'm just going to hazard a guess here; is it a headlamp replacement for early cars, utilizing a candle instead of a gas flame or bulb for those on-the-road emergencies?

[Otto Puzzell]

Good guess, but no.

[RayTheRat]

Early-days "dome light" for the passenger compartment?

[Otto Puzzell]

Another good guess, but no.

[Tackitt]

Night time turn signal?

[richard cuyler]

For rich kids to be able to read the Illustrated London News in the back of father's Rolls Royce on the way home from a far-flung school?

Or just a map reading light?

Or a holder for a candle provided to apply a waxy lubricant to an engine part or a leather dynamo belt?

Or am I just grasping at wicks?

[D-type]

Under-bonnet light?

[Otto Puzzell]

Night time turn signal?

Interesting - but, no.

[Otto Puzzell]

For rich kids to be able to read the Illustrated London News in the back of father's Rolls Royce on the way home from a far-flung school?

Or just a map reading light?

Or a holder for a candle provided to apply a waxy lubricant to an engine part or a leather dynamo belt?

Or am I just grasping at wicks?

The rule of thumb is one guess at a time, RC. In this case I'll allow it, since none are correct (though well-conceived and worded). Single guesses from here on, though, OK? 

[Otto Puzzell]

Under-bonnet light?

Not that.

[Carnut]

Or am I just grasping at wicks?

Think he did get one right answer though!

[Iluvatar]

Vintage timer for endurance race... the candle ends when the time is over and the race stops... 

[Otto Puzzell]

That's the most amusing guess yet - but still not correct. 

[Otto Puzzell]

(pssst....this is an Expert puzzle)

[Allemano]

Argh! Removed!

[gilescooperuk]

looks like it could be clipped onto the edge of a window - roadside maintainance lamp

[Otto Puzzell]

Getting closer, but no

[gilescooperuk]

is that a no on being clipped to a window - or just generally.

[Tackitt]

Cigar/cigarette lighter?

[Otto Puzzell]

I suppose it could be used for that, but that's not what it was designed for. 

[Tackitt]

Perhaps a clip-on to light the running board so m'lady can see her way out?

[Otto Puzzell]

That's not it.

[RayTheRat]

A source of illumination for repairing breakdowns or flat tires (tyres) in the dark?  I can just imagine how much fun that could be if one tried to use it under the hood to examine a fuel leak.