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).
Dissatisfaction with the standardised SMITH windscreen wiper and proposing a trial of a new KLAXON model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 23\3\ Scan135 | |
| Date | 25th July 1928 | |
| His X1087 RECEIVED 26 S/W. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} (Copy to SH). Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}5/M/25.7.28. Re: Windscreen Wipers. As you are aware, we have now for some time † standardised the SMITH but we are not altogether satisfied with it because of the noise made by the shafting and the fact that even if it is quiet when first delivered, it is apt to become noisy after a few thousand miles. The fact that the inner shaft is revolving all the time the car is in motion, irrespective of whether the windscreen wiper is in use or not, must necessarily mean a lot of unnecessary wear and tear. We have heard very good accounts of the KLAXON Windscreen Wiper which seems to have many quite good points and whilst we have fitted one up on one of the Inspectors cars for test, we should very much like you to make an official test at W. It is said to be absolutely silent, the current consumption negligible, it wipes a double arc giving very good visibility. It is not suitable for fitting to a car with a divided top half to the windscreen, but we assume you have some experimental cars which are fitted with single screens, or top half in one piece, and if you can arrange for one to be given a test and will let us know, we will purchase it and send it along to you. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} | ||