Semaphore turn signal

[Lee]

For a while some trucks, and cars, used a semaphore turn signal. As near as I can tell, this was in the 40's and early 50's. They seemed to be an add on as most trucks didn't use them. Here is a picture of the most common type used.


Anyone have any more information? Like when did they first go into use? I have found three types so far.

[skunk]

Early Volvo PV 444's and other cars of the era used semaphors as well. Usually they were discreetly mounted in the B-pillar on passenger cars, as they didn't have to stick out quite as far.

[cfesmire]

Now I can't remember what kind of car it was on but back in school a fellow had one that came out of the front fenders back near the door on both sides with a little motor that raised them out of the body. He rigged an emergency flasher unit (where both lights go on at the same time) and I remember it looking like wings out going down the highway.

[BillC]

Early Beetles had them. I remember the advertisement when VW announced they had replaced them with conventional turn signals.

[Lee]

As far as trucks go, they seem to be an after market thing. I have yet to find one mounted on a highway tractor. The earliest vehicle that I find with one is a Coca Cola truck of 1938. Here is a picture from a movie that could be of modeling interest. ;D