18bf Appraisal

Miro-Flare Model No. 18BF 'Black Box' Road Signal Set

This item is a vintage industrial-grade emergency road flare kit, specifically identified by the lid markings as a 'Black Box' Miro-Flare Model No. 18BF. The exterior container is a rectangular metal box constructed from heavy-duty stamped steel with a dark black painted finish. It features prominent stenciled graphic text in a contrasting yellowish-gold paint that reads 'BLACK BOX' in a bold, military-style serif font, with 'MIRO-FLARE' and 'MODEL NO 18BF' in a smaller sans-serif type. Physical dimensions appear to be approximately 8-10 inches in length, designed for compact storage in vehicle cabins or trunks. The condition of the box shows significant signs of age and use; there is visible surface oxidation and rust blooms along the lid edges and corners where the paint has chipped away. Scuffing, light scratches, and general grime are present across the top surface, suggesting long-term storage in a workshop or garage environment. These kits typically contain three folding reflective flares with red glass or plastic lenses, though only the exterior storage box is visible here. Based on the design and typography, this item likely dates between the late 1940s and the 1960s, a period when Miro-Flex Co. of Wichita, Kansas, was a leading manufacturer of highway safety equipment. The sturdy construction reflects its purpose as a reliable safety tool for truckers and motorists during mid-century roadside emergencies.