FS: Outstanding Original BOSCH H1's - Maybe

[jaudette3]

11/25/15 Edit: I've decided to build these with rechromed original trim rings. $1,800 + shipping. They're available to reserve right now with a 50% deposit and will be ready for delivery in 3-4 weeks.

OK, this isn't your normal for sale post - it presents an interesting originality vs. restored dilemma (at least to me - light geeks are easily entertained.)

I recently acquired a core set of H1's for the purpose of restoring them. However, after I disassembled and cleaned them I discovered that they were much, much better than cores. They're originals in fantastic condition with only one small flaw, which is the interesting part. First a few pictures...

all no flash.jpg

These are all of the parts. The BOSCH housings, BOSCH reflectors, trim rings and mounting screws are all original and in great condition. I'm adding new correct BOSCH H1 lenses and lens gaskets.

reflectors.jpg

This picture illustrates the excellent condition that the reflectors are in - no need for replating with these.

logo.jpg

The backs of the reflectors look amost NOS, including the BOSCH sticker.

bucket closeup no flash.jpg

The original BOSCH housings are in perfect condition and the original headlight adjustment labels are still there, something I rarely see.

mounting screws.jpg

The original mounting screws, which can be identified by the tapered tips, are still with the assemblies and are in perfect condition.

All of the adjustment screw heads are perfect with no gouging. They look like they have been used very little. Even the copper ground straps are bright and untarnished.

These units could pass for NOS if not for one little thing. Here's the rub (literally)... The chrome trim rings are original and in beautiful condition - but they have a little patina. They don't have any scratches or dents but when viewed from certain angles they look like they may have been burnished a bit when a buffer was used on the car (one also has some over-spray on the inside of the rim which is no big deal). I like the way they look personally and would prefer to use them as they are but they would probably not be considered perfect on a concours car. I can have them rechromed but that involves removing the adjustment screws which requires changing the way the screws are mounted when reassembled. Not really a big deal as they're secured inside of the trim rings and the differences don't show, they're won't be as original as they are now.

I love originality and it's pretty special to find a set of H1's at this level of original condition - I would love to reassemble everything as is. I will sell them for $1,600.00 in original configuration. If you would like to buy them with rechromed trim rings the price is $1,800.00.

Comments welcome.

Cheers,
John

[jaudette3]

We got our first snowfall here last night, 10-12". Warning - this post contains a flurry of H1 lens trivia.

I received the following PM last night:

John I cannot help but notice you have posted an add for a beautiful original pair of H1's today. While I am not in the market I am curious about your statement concerning correct H1 lenses. Are the raised H1 lenses being reproduced again or did I confuse/misunderstand things? If they are being produced who is selling them?

And I answered as follows:

I didn't mean that my lenses are raised script, just that they have all of the correct BOSCH markings. As near as I can tell, original lenses with lettering on the inside have been around for a long time. The first generation of H1 lenses did have raised script, along with a much larger prism and a part number ending in ...007. The next generation also had raised script and with the smaller prism that we still see today - the part number ended in ...010. The following generation was the same that we see today: smaller prism, lettering on the inside of the glass, and part number ending in ...010. I'm not sure when the lettering was moved from the outside of the lens to the inside, but I think it was in the '70's. I recall reading once that Germany mandated lettering on the inside of the lenses around that time. In any event, the lenses available today have been the same for a long time as far as I can tell.

Does anyone know if and when outside lettering on headlight lenses was banned in Germany? I've long wondered when the change between the external and internal lettering took place and this might be a good clue.

Thanks,
John

[jaudette3]

I've decided to build these with rechromed original trim rings. $1,800 + shipping. They're available to reserve right now with a 50% deposit and will be ready for delivery in 3-4 weeks.

Thanks,
John

[911_2.2T]

John,
I have Bosch H4 lenses from '72, first series H4 with black shield and without city lights.
These lenses have no markings on the outside, and the markings are only on the center and the left side of the lens. (later lenses had markings in center, left and right)
These lights are still based upon the same main reflectors and still the same as SWB reflectors, with the small ears around the light fitting.
So I would expect that the last series of H1's also had no markings on the outside.

[jaudette3]

Thanks Alex, that concurs with my best guess that H1 lenses went to inside lettering very early, perhaps 1970-72 give or take.

John

[911_2.2T]

Some where in the modelyear 1972 they stRted using H4, not sure when the exact cutoff whas.
In the 72 modelyear brochure they still had H1's on the Euro cars.
Here's a picture of the first owner of my german 1972 Targa.
If you look closely, it has H4 headlights. This car never had any accidents or changes during the 7 yers he owned it. It's vinnr: 9112511256