Newbie here with a question. I picked up this Federal light/siren and I’ve not been able to find anything about it on the web. I’ve found some that look close but none have the red light on the back.
Federal Super XLR
- Thread starter JerryT
- Start date
I am no expert on this siren but because it is made by Federal Signal Corp. when their namn was Federal Enterprises Inc. and problably quiet close to their name change from their erliest name, Federal Electric Co. I will say it was made in the early 40s.
The name tag has been changed from 6 Volt to 12 Volt and the serial from 1 to 2 that indicate that someone has rebuilt it to 12 Volt.
The serial ends with G3 that would mean July 1943 if we follow the normal Federal Signal standard.
Federal Enterprises Inc. changed the name to Federal Sign And Signal Corp. In November 1952 and to Federal Signal Corp. in December 1975.
The LR that are stamped after the Super-X means L - front light and R - rear light.
The name tag has been changed from 6 Volt to 12 Volt and the serial from 1 to 2 that indicate that someone has rebuilt it to 12 Volt.
The serial ends with G3 that would mean July 1943 if we follow the normal Federal Signal standard.
Federal Enterprises Inc. changed the name to Federal Sign And Signal Corp. In November 1952 and to Federal Signal Corp. in December 1975.
The LR that are stamped after the Super-X means L - front light and R - rear light.
I also think the rear housing has been changed to a later style. My XLR is a 6v and has a glass lens front and rear.
Skulldigger
Member
Federal Electric changed to Federal Enterprises in 1948, the Federal Sign and Signal in 1955, I would say this was made in 1953, just as things were gearing up for the 12 volt switchover. Since the unit was obviously changed from 6 to 12, and it was restamped on the tag, I would say that Federal did the upgrade work in factory. I doubt the shop would go through the trouble to do it. Could have been offered at the time or was sent to back for an upgrade at some point.
You are probably right.
I used some dates found in different trademark registration papers.
I have seen both 1949 and 1956 stated also.
I was not sure of the date for the Federal Enterprise Inc. name change so July 1953 is more correct I think.
Michael
Maxim2Eng
Supporting Donor
The Super-X is a great little siren seen on many military vehicles around WWII, unusually without any lights at all or with a Grill (XG). All Federal sirens of the era were available with an optional light to the front (designated with an “L” appended to the model name) and a light to the rear (appended with a “R”). Yours is a very desirable XLR, however, condition is everything and yours is in need of restoration. @charlesg3116 has a beautiful civilian version (looks NOS!) with the correct ”krinkle” paint. As for the difference in the rear lens, it could be what Federal used at different times...I would guess earlier. If yours were a military version, it would have been OD over all surfaces and no polished metal anywhere...you have a polished front bezel and it looks to have been repainted several times. Still, a great find!
I kind of thought that it might be somewhat of a rare version of the Super X because I could not find any pics of a similar unit on the web. I'm new to the collectibility of these old units and didn't know if the value would be increased by doing a total resto on it or leaving it as is. Not sure if I'm gonna keep it or not, dont really have any good place to display it.
Maxim2Eng
Supporting Donor
It’s relatively complete (if it doesn’t have a base mount, it’s easy enough to find a replacement) and, except for the rear lens, looks strait. Your off to a good start on our shared addiction of collecting these things!
So from what I'm gathering these things would be more valuable or bring more money if they are restored and not left in as found condition?
Maxim2Eng
Supporting Donor
In this case, I would think so. However, as with all things collectible, the value is in the beholder’ eye. One person might enjoy the “patina” while another would prefer it to appear brand new. If it were mine, I would enjoy the challenge of restoring it as the patina is a little “deep”. 
Phillyrube
Member