From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Promotional leaflet for the 'Contax' electro-magnetic direction indicator and stop sign for motor vehicles, manufactured by Zeiss-Ikon.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 61a\1\ scan0278 | |
| Date | 1st December 1926 guessed | |
| Page 2 CARL ZEISS JENA Contax (Manufactured by Zeiss-Ikon A.{Mr Adams}-G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} Contessa-Works Stuttgart) The reliable electro-magnetic Direction Indicator for all Motor Vehicles. Colour of the Direction Arrow and of the Stop Sign: Orange. Fig. 1 Contax Arrow on the front and rear. Fig. 1a Stop Sign. Fig. 2 Contax Arrow on front only and combined with Stop Sign. Many and varied forms of Direction Indicators are already in existence. If the Optical Works of Carl Zeiss, Jena, have taken up the sale of a Direction Indicator for all Motor Vehicles they have done so recognizing that there is not yet on the market a Direction Indicator utilising the existing lighting set of any car, which is at the same time effective and pleasing in appearance. - 2 - Page 3 CARL ZEISS JENA “Contax” regulates the traffic “Contax” is visible for 50 yards by day as well as by night “Contax” can be attached to any vehicle “Contax” should be fitted to every vehicle. The illustrations show in detail the external appearance of the new Direction Indicator, which can be supplied for 6 or 12 volts according to the voltage of the lighting set. The following remarks concern the inner construction and connection of the apparatus. The casing consists of a light metal casting of tasteful design suitable for any car and is fixed by means of a bracket to the right or left of the driver's seat or at the rear of the car. The inner mechanism, which is electro-magnetically operated, is conveniently controlled by a switch from the driver's seat and without distracting the attention. The current necessary for operating the electro-magnet is so slight as to be practically unnoticeable on the lighting set. According to the position of the switch, the indicator turns without oscillating from the upright position to the left or right. The Bulbs in the casing can be interchanged easily and rapidly. Detailed instructions, and diagram showing method of connection, included with every apparatus. The direction indicator “CONTAX” may well lay claim to absolute certainty in operation combined with tasteful, technically perfect construction and will without doubt contribute materially to increased safety in traffic. - 3 - Page 4 CARL ZEISS JENA Suitable “Contax” equipment for open and closed cars (Front “Contax” to be attached as high as possible) Fig. 3. For open cars with right hand drive. Contax I for fixing on the left of the body of the car or windscreen at the same height as the Spotlight on the right, or any other suitable place. Owing to the double arrow, Contax I is visible from the front and the back. Fig. 4. For cars with left hand drive or closed cars. Contax I to be fixed on the right of the body of the car or windscreen at the same height as the Spotlight on the other side, or any other suitable place. As the apparatus may not be visible to the driver of an overtaking car, Contax II or Contax III should also be mounted on the left back mudguard. - 4 - | ||