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Wonder if it might be a spotlight mounted vertically instead of horizontal?

A top-secret sensor for detecting political dissidents?

Perhaps a signal light similar to the Opera lights that appears on some Pre-War cars?

Looks very small to be a siren from that time. Most sirens of the 40's and 50's were large motor driven units several inches in diameter and 10 or 12 inches long. If not a spotlight then maybe an opera light. I think the lens is clear and we are seeing the bulb reflection. Anyway, not very deep color such as one would expect if red, blue or amber flashing light that usually signal something important.

EDIT: I'm trying to remember what the opera light was for. Information seems a bit scarce. Was it to announce the car for the owner or to light the way when exiting in their finery? Neither, both, something else? If this is one, being pointed straight ahead (unless it moves) would seem kind of a waste if lighting the exit--although the Cad Gusha links to is pointed ahead. Later cars like the more modern Cads and Lincolns were on the side.

It's rather oddly post mounted and too small for a spot lite. My guess is somekind of taxi equipment. ON for hire and off for NOT hire.

Description is vague. What east Euopean country????

Gerd,

Attached is a picture I tool of a Brunn Bodied Packard that is part of the Imperial Palace collection in Las Vegas. If you look on the roof you will see a small square light. This actually have a monogramed light filter over it. But this is a opera light.

From my understanding, these were used on chauffeur driven cars. The monogram would have been of the family that owned the car. So when they came out of the theater/opera at night, the Chauffeur who may have been parked up or down the street and would flash this light to alert his employers to where the car was amongst all the other fine cars parked along the dark street.

I am sure someone will correct me if I am too off-track on the explanation.

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You're batting 100% regarding the light on the Brunn, Kevin.

My other thought on this light from your original picture is that it could have been a flashing emergency light (Blue or red). To let motorists ahead know to give the right away as it was some type of official vehicle. Similar to the windshield mounted light in unmarked police cars, and on fire-chief cars, etc.

Quote:

Glad to hear I am not hitting them into the dug-out anymore!

Now there's a siren! Single light maybe red or amber -- down low like that seems a little unusual -- but guess they didn't want to be tacking it on just anywhere. With that car, wouldn't think either would be needed but guess the local maharajah didn't want to take chances on not being noticed in case the car wasn't enough. Is that a spotlight on the passenger door as well or maybe another vehicle.