New York City's first fully automatic traffic lights had only red and green indications. Amber was not introduced until the early 50s, and it took more than 40 years to complete the transition. This 3-way signal was mounted overhead in Queens. There are no manufacturer names stamped on this signal, but I have seen many like this with the "RULETA" name stamped on them. I think thisone may have been made after Ruleta was bought out by another company. The original wiring in this light is plastic insulated, not cloth, so that lends to the theory that this likely is a later example of this signal. I'm guessing it's from the 1940s, rather than the 20s or 30s.
It was originally painted black, then repainted yellow in the 60s. I had all the paint blasted off before I repainted it in black.