Mad staring eyes of the headlamp ponzi-scheme mascot

Here's an ad for a multi-level-marketing scheme for a "high-tech" car headlight, circa 1931. With artwork like this, I'm ready to sign up. I think I just found my next tattoo.

AT LAST! An amazingly queer yet simple invention lifts the curse of night driving from the motoring world. This altogether new discovery called “Perfect-O-Lite,” replaces old glass “bulbs” in your automobile headlights with truly amazing results. Road illumination is instantly doubled yet glare is absolutely banished. Ordinary objects in the road, ruts, animals, obstructions, etc., are made clearly visible at least three times as far. Instead of ordinary “direct” light, this beam is composed entirely of double-reflected or “infused” light. This new kind of light cuts right through the other fellow’s headlights. Even shoots through fog, mist, rain and snow. There is no wiring or installation. No extra upkeep. Banishes the need for glare shields. No wonder concerns like Wallace & Tiernan, N. J., Houston Post-Dispatch, Tex., Columbus, Ohio, Fire Trucks, etc. have already installed Perfect-O-Lite as standard equipment. To prove what this invention will do, the manufacturer now offers a set to every motorist on FREE TEST. Simply mail the coupon promptly for details.

Link

Discussion

Take a look at this

#1 posted by AliasUndercover , April 19, 2008 6:13 AM

I am now horribly curious as to what the heck these really were.

#2 posted by angrydroid , April 19, 2008 6:47 AM

#3 posted by ill lich , April 19, 2008 8:17 AM

Wow-- they discovered a "new kind of light", and here I was satisfied with the visible spectrum; I feel like such a sucker. "Infused light"? -- did you install laser beams in your car or something? Oh sure, it's safer for YOU, but what about oncoming drivers?

#4 posted by dculberson , April 19, 2008 8:39 AM

I bet it was just light bulbs with an opaque or reflector center. So the light is bounced off the rear reflector before going out the front glass.

#5 posted by eustace , April 19, 2008 8:59 AM

Evidence that Weird Al Yankovic traveled in time (the guy in the photo is clearly Weird Al).

#6 posted by Karnuvap

, April 19, 2008 11:08 AM

I am speculating here but it could be an old fashioned way of describing Polarised headlamps. Then you wear the appropriate polarising glasses (as shown) and can see everything very clearly. Meanwhile your glasses filter out the light from the headlamps that are coming towards you because theirs are either polarised too(but - being on the other side of the road they are snubbed by your glasses) or at least dimmed through being not polarised.

#7 posted by Johnny Coelacanth , April 19, 2008 5:29 PM

"amazingly queer yet simple "

Hmmmph. Sounds like Ryan Seacrest.

#8 posted by Xenu , April 19, 2008 6:28 PM