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A Search for questions in the category "RR Lighting" found the following results. Questions are sorted beginning with the most recent. The next most recent 20 questions and answers are shown below beginning with the 281st.

 Q3440 Lantern Info Needed  I picked this up for $10 at estate sale. Can’t find any history for lettering on top D & R.G RR . It looks like it might be missing a ring around the globe area. I can’t find one like it on internet to compare to.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, March 17, 2018 by Don D   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The D&RGRR is for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. You did very well in your find for $10. Maybe post a photo of "the ring around the globe area". Nice work on your find! Posted Saturday, March 17, 2018 by LN

A. Wow, you are so lucky. Lucky that you found this mint condition Star headlight lantern for 10 bucks. Lucky that it also had a MM Buck fount in mint condition!! Lucky that you found this website!! Lucky that you took wonderful sharp & detailed pictures that all the western collectors can drool over!! Lucky that you were so ignorant of the internet that simply typing in D&RG would gain you a wealth of info on the Denver and Rio Grande railroad. But you found this website and were able to post a message and download pics!! And lucky that you posted it on St. Patrick's Day!!! The only thing better would be if you posted this on April one!!! Mr Lucky!!! I found a Union Pacific Big Boy one time, just sitting on a siding, but I could not carry it home on my skateboard. But hey, thanks, we all need a good laugh from time to time.  Posted Sunday, March 18, 2018 by GWS

A. Not real sure what that (Mr. Lucky)is all about but, what color Globe would this Lantern normally have. Thinking about buying a replica to display it. Posted Tuesday, March 20, 2018 by Don D

A. Some people aren't happy to see others find nice things I guess. Jealousy does funny things to people. Anyway, most typically it would have had a clear or "white" globe in it for standard use. If you are looking for any color in particular or a nice original marked or unmarked globe instead of a re-pop that you'll typically find on a particular 4 letter internet auction site, there are several website based dealers you can probably find a nice globe at a reasonable price with a simple google search. You might also be able to find an original font for it. It is a very nice find and congrats. Posted Tuesday, March 20, 2018 by FC

A. Don D; W.T.Kirkman (LINK 1) is your one stop source for many parts for old lanterns, including a globe for your fine piece. Look at the Replacement Glass link on the left side of Kirkman's page -- One reason for confusion over the initials "D&RG" is that the Rio Grand reorganized in 1920-1921 and became the "D&RGW". You, being a wise collector (not a wise-@$$ with a keyboard) were likely searching for the exact letters"D&RG", and not finding much. Glad you found this site. Please know that MOST collectors who respond to questions on this site are happy to share legit information, not sarcastic drivel. ---- .... Red Bread Link 1  Posted Wednesday, March 21, 2018 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. From your photo it appears the lower horizontal wire guard is missing. Replacing this piece is a fairly easy restoration / fabrication. Finding the replacement clips however is going to be the tough part (note the clips where the upper horizontal and vertical wires come together). Your best bet is to attend a railroadiana show where you will find boxes of lantern parts. It will take some hunting but you may be able to find a frame like yours and salvage both the lower horizontal wire and clips. While you are at the show be sure to keep an eye out for an original globe too. Having your lantern complete, right and tight will make a nice find even better. Good luck. Posted Friday, March 23, 2018 by Ex Sou Ry

 Q3439 Lamp Info Needed  Would anyone happen to know anything about this lamp/lantern? There are no markings on it. Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, March 15, 2018 by Jerry M.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. What do you think folks ? I am guessing a Hiram Piper switch light with a bunch of modifications over the years. Posted Thursday, March 15, 2018 by HVT

A. I'm wondering about it being a Peter Gray lamp but modified. That lens opening is pretty small and similar to my Peter Gray Maine Central lamp. This is a WAG though. Posted Thursday, March 15, 2018 by PK

A. That deep edged "Portobello Mushroom" cap on the lamp is a dead giveaway. This lamp is from INDIA. I don't know much about them, but many of them have shown up on the Net in recent years. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Thursday, March 15, 2018 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Jerry M. , could you please take one red and one green of the lenses off and write back and let us know what the lettering around the edge of the lens says? That would be a BIG research help! Thanks, ---- .... Red Beard Posted Thursday, March 15, 2018 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Assuming the lens is original to the Lamp. Posted Friday, March 16, 2018 by LC

A. Here ya' go. check out this site to see what i was talking about in the previous post. It's called Infiniti India http://www.infinitiindustrialfurniture.com/antique-railway-lamp-1779639.html Posted Friday, March 16, 2018 by TE

A. Likewise Red Beard.......I'm sure that's an INDIA product from that site that's mentioned in the FAKE category on this site. I have a matching pair of platform lamps that I purposely bought off of Ebay (real cheap)a couple years back, just out of curiosity. Visually, from a distance, they actually look good but there is no wind baffling of any kind and the doors don't fit tight. You couldn't even use a candle in them and keep it lit. There was a cheap little tin font like you'd use in a craft product for looks only. I put a little kerosene in the one and it leaked immediately. The lens is a standard clear fresnel but it's hammered on with a strip of metal and not a drawband with a screw. AS i said, at a distance, it could pass for real. Up close, to those of us familiar with these.....No way! Posted Friday, March 16, 2018 by TE

A. Hey TE, good to hear from you; been a while -- What does it say on the rim of the lenses in your lamps? How is the quality of the color in those lenses? ---- .... Red Beard Posted Saturday, March 17, 2018 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Forgot to answer your other question. The single lens is clear and of standard quality for typical modern fresnel lenses.  Posted Sunday, March 18, 2018 by TE

A. YES....It has been awhile but I regularly check the site. The lenses in both, along the rim, have the following molded in: F89 MM 5 3/8 136 MMDIA There are no manufacturer marks on the lens or the lamp. After pulling them out and looking at them again, they aren't junk by any means. There's some heft to the metal and some craftsmenship in the overall construction. There's even a peep hole in the lower third of the body. They seem to have copied a really old design.....like pre 1900. There's just no wind proofing in the works. And as mentioned, the font is a cheap non-railroad item. These could easily fool a novice or non collector. TE  Posted Sunday, March 18, 2018 by TE

 Q3438 Marine Lantern?  I have a lantern that I cleaned up and clear coated. It looks like a marine style lantern with no makers mark. I found a picture similar to it in Anthony Hobson’s book 'Lanterns That Lit Our World' Book Two, similar to Helvig lanterns. The burner is marked BB&C Co. Maybe Bristol Brass Co.? It accepts a common barn size globe 6- 5/8 tall. The cold blast globes seem to fit better than the hot blast style. Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, March 11, 2018 by Nick   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Might be Bridgeport Brass.... Posted Monday, March 26, 2018 by BobF

 Q3437 C&NW RR vs RY?  I have an early tall globe Adams & Westlake lantern that is marked C & NW RR on the rim. The globe is marked C&NW Ry. Most of the Chicago & Northwestern lanterns I’ve seen are marked 'Railway' instead of 'Railroad' Were earlier lanterns marked in this matter?  Posted Sunday, March 11, 2018 by NSG   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Before the "Adams" and "Reliable" lanterns, Chicago & Northwestern lanterns were routinely marked "RR" instead of "RY". Older keys and locks were also marked with RR. Posted Thursday, March 15, 2018 by BobF

 Q3434 Handlan Item  I picked this up the other day. The guy said it was for a semaphore light or a switch lamp with a slide-open door. He said that when the railroads started to switch from kero to electric they converted to this type of electric. It's made by Handlan. On the front it says Pat Apld for. On the other end it says Handlan St Louis USA. The glass is about 4 3/4 inches; the base is 4 inches wide and about 6 inches long. It's made of aluminum. Can anybody tell me what they really used it for? Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, March 4, 2018 by RT   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hello RT,This light unit was used by railroads to convert their kerosene/oil burning lamps into slightly more modern electric lamps,yet used the original lamp body and mounting hardware.It probably was cost effective for them to do this as railroads were notoriously cheap by nature.If you look closely at the footprint of the unit's base,it will conform exactly to an AAR standard 31 ounce rectangular oil fount which Handlan,Dressel and Adlake all used in certain versions of their signal lamps.By making it an exact fit,the focus of the light unit was still correct in relation to the lense center.Some of these conversion units had a feature whereby the height of the electric lamp socket could be raised up or down for exact focus.This particular lamp socket would most likely have had a screw-in signal bulb adapter to accommodate a signal standard SC base style bulb which was a low voltage bulb with precision focused filament, but not all lines used these bulbs in these old lamp conversions.I don't want to overload you with info but I speak from 40 years of experience in the signal dep't of a class 1 railroad and am now retired. DJB Posted Tuesday, March 6, 2018 by DJB

A. thank you djb for the info what year did they use these Posted Wednesday, March 7, 2018 by rt

A. thank you djb for your help Posted Wednesday, March 7, 2018 by rt

A. Hi RT,Its hard to say when these conversions first started to be used but its safe to say that it was when the rural areas of the country started to get electricity,so my guess would be the 40's and later.Some of these conversions could go back much earlier and used low voltage lamps lit by DC from what we called primary batteries,or those that were activated chemically with caustic soda,lasted approx. 1 year and didn't need to be charged by electricity.Railroads started to send electricity down to signal locations via line wire once it was available and were able to save considerable maintenance costs by not having to fill,clean and maintain kerosene burners every week.As time went on,these old converted kerosene signal lamps were replaced by modern electric signal lamps specifically designed for this purpose with better optics and a more intense illumination. DJB Posted Wednesday, March 7, 2018 by DJB

 Q3432 Hiram Piper Lanterns  I have a question about a Hiram Piper railway lantern. The lantern is the larger black colour, 4 lens caboose style stamped H.L.P. on very top lid ,and also stamped C.N.R. on the side. It has 3 blue plastic lens and 1 red lens. The person says it was never used and was made in Kingston Ontario, being sold as new old stock. My question is: Were these lanterns ever made in Kingston Ontario as per sheet of paper that comes with lantern? There are no markings of 'Montreal' at all on this lantern. Thank you.  Posted Thursday, March 1, 2018 by Jim L.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q3431 Mystery William Westlake Tall Lantern Base  Can anyone advise what type of lantern this base was made for ? (Or point me to a picture?) It is stamped W WESTLAKE PATD with one 1864 patent date and two from 1865. It has a small sliding door on the side and there are two bent wire 'clips' that work with what amounts to thumb latches (hidden below the rolled rim). You squeeze the 'mushroom' parts and the wire loops go back under the rim; then released they come back out (as shown). Guessing that a globe (?) is placed on the outer flat rim and the clips hold it in place – they are there to hold something (maybe another metal part with slots they go into?) We are able to find information about William Westlake but nothing about the type of lantern this would have been made for. Thank you for any ideas !   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, February 28, 2018 by JS   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Your lantern part is a bottom section of a domestic lantern and the photo shown is of a very similar lantern. Normally these type of lanterns had a fixed glass globe that was cemented into the top and bottom metal sections of the lantern. However because yours has the spring loaded tabs I suspect that this part is for a removable (replaceable) glass globe which was patented by William Westlake at the dates shown on your part. The other photo shown shows a spring loaded Sangster font that would have been similar to one that would have clipped underneath the part you have. It would have contained the fuel and wick and could be easily removed to add fuel and trim the wick. The sliding tab you have on your part would open to light & extinguish the flame.  Link 1  Posted Sunday, March 4, 2018 by D.M.

 Q3426 Dressel Lamp Info Wanted  I'm looking for help identifying what this lamp came off of. I’m thinking tail lamp? One red lens with two clear. Only markings on the lamp is a brass badge that says Dressel Arlington NJ USA. The only thing I can find similar in design comes up on the internet if you search for 'Belson Chicago Square Railroad Lantern Lamp'. Thank you for any help.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, February 11, 2018 by TB   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q3425 Lamp Info Needed  I would like to know just exactly what I have here. I've looked around and can't seem to find one exactly like this, and I have two of them. It has Armstrong [Armspear?] writing on it and it has the number 120 on the stand. It also has a tag that has a lot of date's on it but it's very hard to read. Can you help me with this issue? Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, February 6, 2018 by Mike A   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The bases, which have the tapered socket to receive the top of a switch stand rod, give them away immediately as switch target lamps.  Posted Wednesday, February 7, 2018 by RJMc

A. A nice pair of Armspear Railroad switch lamps. Posted Wednesday, February 7, 2018 by LF

 Q3423 Marta Torino Lamp  What a wonderful website! This was exactly what I have been searching for recently.....though sadly, I still am unable to locate ANY information about this 'Marta Torino' oil lamp. The person that I acquired it from wasn't able to tell me anything about it. The name sounds Italian - the style is quite similar to WWII German Carbide Railroad Lamps. I would very much appreciate any information that you might be able to provide! Thank you,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, February 6, 2018 by Gil   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I searched around and found several ebay listings for Marta Torino lamps and lanterns, but not an exact match. The listings say they are from Italy and paint is usually military green, from WWI - WWII era. Good luck - hope that will be enough of a lead to pursue to find out more about this company.  Posted Saturday, February 17, 2018 by JMS

 Q3420 Adlake Lantern  I have had this lantern since about 1962 or so. It was given to me by a railroad man (I was about six years old at the time) at the depot in Sidney, MT. The depot served the Great Northern and the Northern Pacific. This is an N.P.R.Y lantern from 3-42. I used to hang around the stock yard and got to know a couple of the caboose guys. I have a couple of questions about it, but let me start by saying that I have no plans for the lantern other than to use it. Not selling or restoring. It works pretty well, even though the packing and wick are original, or at least circa 1962. I have used it infrequently over the years but plan on using it more for camping in the future. Since I have had it it has always been painted black. It may have been given a fresh coat of paint when I got it, who knows? Six year olds don't pay much attention to that sort of stuff. I notice that most of the lanterns pictured on your website are not painted. Were these lanterns used like that, or were they all painted? If they were painted, were they all black? Are these lanterns plated steel? If so, is that plating durable? Thanks,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, January 22, 2018 by Tom S.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Railroad lanterns belonged to railroaders. It was their responsibility. Some guys would mark their lanterns so they could identify theirs. Some guys may have painted the whole thing. Sometimes railroads painted them anyway. Most, however, were not painted. Lanterns are usually tin. They are very durable. Again, plating was an option. Since you use the lantern keep it as is. I will point out though, that if you do not use it, you should remove the packing (batting) from the tank. The material (cotton waste) absorbs moisture and rots out the tank. As I said though, since you use the lantern and keep it filled, that will not be an issue. You can still remove the batting if you wish, anyway, and it will not affect the operation of the lantern. Posted Monday, January 22, 2018 by JN

A. Thanks, JN, I appreciate the information. Fortunately the burner is in really good condition. Tom Posted Monday, January 22, 2018 by Tom

 Q3419 BR&P Lantern  Any info on this lantern would be greatly appreciated. Belonged to my Grandfather. Defiance Lantern with BR&P stamped on top. Globe is etched PRR and probably not original.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, January 22, 2018 by AC   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. BR&P is the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh. The line later became part of the B&O. The PRR also served Buffalo. Maybe someone raided a supply cabinet somewhere when they broke their lantern globe broke.  Posted Monday, January 22, 2018 by JN

A. The BR&P went southwest from Buffalo and Rochester to the Pittsburg area. The PRR also operated just about everywhere in that territory, so not at all unlikely that consumable parts like lantern globes would get traded around, either during employee's regular service on the RR's or afterward.  Posted Wednesday, January 24, 2018 by RJMc

A. Defiance is a fabulous maker to find ! The twisted wire models are scarce, as the wires tend to be very fragile. What a fine family heirloom to keep and treasure.  Posted Sunday, January 28, 2018 by JMS

 Q3416 CPR Markers  I just bought a matching pair of CPR Piper marker lanterns. I’m wondering if you can help with two things: (1): What is the best way to strip and 'de-rust' the lanterns before a new coat of paint? I’ve read about a lye bath possibly working, but the lamps look tin to me, so I don’t know how well that would work. (2): The lamps came with plastic lenses - are these original to the lamps? They are stamped 'HLP', but plastic seems odd. Thanks, I appreciate any advice you have to give!!! Thanks so much for your help! I’m really looking forward to getting these things back to their former glory!! Cheers,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, January 19, 2018 by Brett R   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. This works for me although I'm sure some will violently disagree. Regular paint stripper to remove the paint. Then a good washing with soap and water to remove the stripper. Dry then "rust remover" (Naval Jelly) found in Lowes/Home Depot applied with a paint brush. Followed by a steel wool rub. Once the rust is gone, wash/dry again then primer and a spray can of Black satin paint. All my switch lamps have glass Kopp or Corning glass lens but they're not Piper lamps.. Posted Saturday, January 20, 2018 by LF

A. If you will enter the word "Stimsonite" into the 'search by word or phrase' box to the left of the text here, it will bring up many prior Q's discussing the use of plastic lenses, including specifically on Piper lamps on the Canadian roads. Plastic lenses seem to have been put on some lamps direct from the factory and as early as 1950, so yours may well be original.  Posted Saturday, January 20, 2018 by RJMc

A. Likewise, I've never had any ill effects from using regular paint striper along with techniques described above. Also, like LF, I am sure some people will shudder at the suggestion. Posted Saturday, January 20, 2018 by TE

A. Regular glass lenses in these lamps would be unlikely to be affected by the kinds of chemicals being discussed here. However,strong paint strippers (Strypeeze, etc.) which contain very strong solvents might fog or even dissolve plastic lenses, so I would be very careful and either remove the plastic lenses entirely, or possibly test a very small area before exposing the main surfaces of the plastic lenses to such strong chemical agents. Posted Sunday, January 21, 2018 by RJMc

A. Hi Brett, ..well I'm the one constant voice on here against repainting things; I think vehement might be a better term for my resistance to repainting though. – Those are in good shape, but have lost quite a bit of paint.-- LF has some good ideas on stripping it down. I certainly wouldn't use the lye bath. They are in too good of a shape for that. -- RJMc's caution about taking the lenses out is a MUST! – Those are original lenses. Most PIPER lamps that show up for sale have Original 'HLP' marked plastic lenses in them; so, keep those in as good a shape as you can. Alcohol is a good cleaner for plastic lenses. Many of the Piper markers I see still have a shiny finish to them. Try using gloss black on them. None of the satin or matte paints I've ever seen look authentic. All lamps started out with a gloss finish.--- Here's something I've never mentioned before: Start with a nice high gloss finish, like Rustolium, that has dried and cured for a few months. If you have access to an actual paint sprayer, not an air brush, give the painted parts (NOT those plastic lenses, though) a quick light dust with lacquer thinner only. You want the spray to be so light that it evaporates a half second after it hits the lamp. Give it one shot, and after that completely dries, maybe one more. (too much lacquer thinner or having it set wet on the lamp will curdle and peal the new paint, so you want just enough to etch the very surface) That will give your gloss finish a very accurate "fogged" look for a lamp that has been out in the elements for about a decade. – Do PRACTICE on a few painted tin cans first and see what results you can get. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Sunday, January 21, 2018 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Thank you very much for all the information you guys! I've gone ahead and chemically stripped them as suggested, and after some rust removal, they are starting to come along. Fortunately I have access to an automotive paint booth and corresponding high grade paint, so I have high hopes for the final product. I'll post some pictures when I'm done :) Thanks again!!! Cheers.  Posted Saturday, February 3, 2018 by Brett R

A. Hi Brett, please read the Link 1 article. -- It looks like those lamps are made of pre-galvanized sheet steel. Handlan, in the last years, did this too. Galvanized metal does not hold paint well, especially over time. -- older lamps were hot dipped in terne metal and painted with Gilsonite paint, which stuck to the terne for decades. -- The Link article addresses this. (I'm also pasting the URL here, as long links tend to fail in the Link feature on this page) (LINK: https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/home-diy/painting/how-to-paint-galvanized-metal.htm) This is a case where you might want to lightly bead blast the lamp prior to painting it. ---- ....Red Beard Link 1  Posted Monday, February 5, 2018 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Thanks for the link, Red Beard. I did as you suggested, and they turned out great. A chemical strip, then a bead blast and sand blast in the rougher areas, followed by a high quality paint really worked well. I was also able to put a lightbulb inside by running the cord through a drain hole in the bottom, thus no drilling or modications. In case anybody cares, I've uploaded the full set of before/after pictures here: (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1lrg-Y0wJl6c9BG_M5Q2RA3rVMTtgBqi4). Thanks again for the help, you guys! Cheers.  Link 1  Posted Sunday, May 20, 2018 by Brett R

 Q3415 Lantern/Lamp Info?  I found this lantern and can't find anything about it. It has a Adams & Westlake tage. I was wondering if you can help me?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, January 15, 2018 by MK   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. It has the same lens on the back side. The burner slides in and out. I can email you more pictures  Link 1  Posted Monday, January 15, 2018 by Matthew

A. Adams and Westlake used this basic square body with the 'cookie cutter' creased round top between 1880 and 1899 to serve many different purposes. Possibilities include semaphore lamps (does it have a smaller lens or opening to the rear?); tail end lights, station lights and marine-related lights such as drawbridge markers. Another possibility is a theater footlight. The formed wire hanger and the pedestal on your light are unusual, but it is hard to tell how they were used without some dimensions. More pix would help, particularly of the burner.  Posted Monday, January 15, 2018 by RJMc

 Q3413 ATSF Lamp Info?  Does anyone have any info on this lamp? It came from the Santa Fe RR pass. rear car and is stamped 'right'. I need to know what color the lenses were and what the front and side lenses reference. Also the back holder - what purpose it served? The manufacturer's tag is missing so the make is unknown. Any help is appreciated.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, January 4, 2018 by Paul   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The oval missing tag shape suggests an oval brass Adams and Westlake tag was once on this lamp. If by "back holder" you mean the bracket this lamp would presumably rotate on (if it does), it fits into a corresponding tapered holder that would be on the RIGHT side of whatever car, caboose, or engine this lamp was designed for.  Posted Friday, January 5, 2018 by JEM

A. No not the bracket but the round item with the cover that rotates.I was thinking that was for extra lens Thank you for your reply Posted Friday, January 5, 2018 by Paul

A.  OOPS! – I misspoke, Santa Fe used RED and YELLOW in their Marker Lamps; so there would have also been a YELLOW color disk in there. Santa Fe markers were Red to the rear and Yellow to the sides. So, your lamp would have carried green, red and yellow color disks. ---- …. Red Beard  Posted Friday, January 5, 2018 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Hi Paul – What you have is an Adlake #85 “Acme Engine Classification Lamp” - See LINK 1 below - JEM is correct that the oval mark on the side of the lamp would have been where the original Adlake tag would have been. The oval Adlake tag stopped being used somewhere around the 1920s and some collectors claim that they didn't exist, but they certainly did. If not otherwise marked as to ownership, some collectors confuse oval imprints, like the one on the side of your lamp as having been from a missing New York Central Lines emblem, which was applied to early NYC lamps, and was of a similar size and shape. Your lamp though is clearly a unique Adlake design and clearly marked Santa Fe on the shoulder of the lamp. – Who told you that it came off of passenger car? That is possible, though unlikely. – Let's start with what it is and was intended for; As a Classification (class) Lamp, and by Santa Fe practices, it would have been mounted on the side of the smoke box, with the lenses facing forward and to the side. (Some roads mounted class lamps on the front of the smoke box) If the train the engine was pulling was a scheduled train, the class lamps would not be lit. If the train were an “extra” (non-scheduled)train, the class lamps would be lit with clear lenses, called “white” in the rule books. If the train was a scheduled train running in two or more sections (done when there were more cars than one train could handle) the LAST section would have unlit class lamps, thus indicating that section as the last section of the scheduled train, and all preceding sections would run with lit class lamps showing a green light to the front and side, indicating that additional sections were following. - Yours is an early design lamp. It came with clear optical, or “Fresnel”, lenses which focused the lamp light into a strong beam of light. The clear lens was mounted in the hinged frame, which your photo shows in the open position. To change the color indication to green, a colored glass disk was inserted behind the clear optical lens, and the frame around the clear lens held the color disk in place. These colored glass disks were stored in the “back holder” you mention. This “holder” looks like another lens opening, but with a rotating cover or door on it. As engines frequently needed to travel backwards down the line, red glass disks were also stored in this holder. When traveling down the line in reverse (a backing movement), the class lamps could be used as Marker Lamps, protecting the rear end of the movement. (when backing, the front end of the engine was actually the rear end of the train from an operational perspective.) When backing, the class lamps (now acting as Marker Lamps) were fitted with colored glass disks displaying red to the rear of the MOVEMENT (the physical front of the engine), and green to the sides. The colored glass disks allowed the class lamp to serve several functions, simply by using different colors, or no color, behind the clear (white) optical lenses. – Now, as to your lamp's use as a Marker Lamp on the last car of a passenger train; it is entirely possible that your lamp could have been used as a marker in passenger train service, as described above, fitted with green and red glass inserts. The Santa Fe certainly had an abundance of actual marker lamps, but lamps like yours were pressed into service as train markers when a terminal was short on markers. As markers were removed and serviced at depots and caboose tracks, and then placed on the next train leaving town, a location could run out if more trains that day were leaving than coming in. This would be especially true in passenger service as passenger cars did not carry markers with them, as cabooses did. – Then, finally to the question about being marked “Right”. Back to the original intended purpose of the lamp as a Class Lamp, with two lenses, mounted in the lamp body at 90° apart; if you took your lamp and hung it on the Left side of the engine, the lens intended to face forward would then be facing backwards, and the colored filter holder would be facing the front of the engine. Thus, you needed to have one configuration for the right side of the engine (yours) and another configured for the Left side. (just like the the turn signal assembly on a modern automobile; they're not interchangeable) Hope this is of some help! ---- .... Red Beard Link 1  Posted Friday, January 5, 2018 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Hi Red Beard thanks for your reply. This is very good info. I got this from a man that worked for the SanteFe in LaJunta, CO.He is the one that told me it came off of a passenger car, but your info seems better to me after studying on it.I have read about these being used on steam loco.but didn't know I had this one until your reply. Would you know where I might find those disks.I really appreciate you taking time to reply on this. thanks Paul Posted Sunday, January 7, 2018 by Paul

A. Paul, you're very welcome. Glad to pass some of this accumulated knowledge on where it's needed. That is a really great piece, and in good shape for its age. Your first project is to find the right clear Fresnel lenses for the lamp. A number of older class lamps had 5-1/2 inch diameter clear lenses. Those are almost impossible to find. There are some 5-1/2 inch lenses around that are from the interior of signals, but they have the Fresnel steps on the front of the lens, and I can't say if I've ever seen a clear one. I hope they are a more common size, such as 4-1/2, 5 inch or 5-3/8 inch. (judging by their size compared to the lamp body, they may be 4-1/2 inch) Clear lenses show up on eBay from time to time; you just have to search constantly under "railroad lens". As to the color filters, you are going to need to figure out the diameter needed. The color filter drops into that half circle rim on the back of the hinged lens holder, and is usually a slightly different diameter than the Fresnel lens. Use a kids school compass and draw several circles and cut them out of light cardboard, like a cereal box, until you get a slightly loose fit, and measure it. You may find some on eBay that will work. If not take that cardboard disk to a stained glass studio and have them show you some quality colored glass close to lens colors and have them cut some filters for you. Hate to say it, but that may be the closest you can get, depending on the size needed. (that's a pretty old lamp) -- Now as to the passenger car aspect; it occurred to me that it might have been used on an observation car or a business car, as those did carry their own markers with them. The fact that your lamp would have had those clear lenses in it (and its left side mate) would have made the lamps really stand out and look sharp, so it's possible that an official may have snagged those for use on his business car because of the unique appearance. It's one of those questions we'll never know. That car body bracket laying on the table behind the lamp is correct for the style of mounting foot on your lamp (again, old), BUT, it is a corner mount bracket, that would have been mounted to the corner of a passenger car or a caboose. Your lamp would have needed a bracket that was mounted flat on the side of the car. A corner mount bracket with your lamp would have the lenses pointing off at a 45° angle, not straight back; so again, who knows. -- Please do write back and let us all know how your project goes! ---- .... Red Beard Posted Sunday, January 7, 2018 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Hi Red Beard again I say thanks, you have been very helpful. If I am able to obtain any more info or locate disks & lens I will be happy to report back. Here hoping I can complete my project. Paul Posted Monday, January 8, 2018 by Paul

 Q3412 Kelly Lantern Information Needed  I’m looking for information on this Kelly Lantern. I have a friend who thinks it may not all be authentic for starters. But I think it is. Here is what we do know: The lantern is marked on the bottom Kelly & Co Rochester. There are no markings on the red globe that I could find but does have some bubbles and looks like an original globe to the lantern because it fits snugly against the vertical wires; there is no space in between. The bell base is marked on the bottom with: Kelly & Co, Rochester and it is stamped inward not raised. There is another marking on the top of bell bottom but I can't make it out and I wasn't successful taking a picture either. Unfortunately someone a long time ago decided to paint this beautiful lantern with black paint which now is showing signs of deteriorating, meaning rust has appeared. Also someone tied two wire pieces on the top and bottom of where the globe is held in because some of the wires holding the globe encased have come loose. The bottom part kinda unscrews and is not hinged. The wick is two round tubes and there is no way to adjust the wick. When holding a magnet to it, it sticks everywhere except on the top piece. I don't want to cause more harm than good by trying to removing the paint but I suspect the top to be brass, and if you knew what you were doing you could remove the paint. The lantern stands 11 in. tall not including the handle which is 6 in. The red globe is approx. 5 1/2 in. long and approx 19 in. around in the fullest part, and there are a few scratches and air bubbles seen on the globe. Any help you could offer is appreciated!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, January 4, 2018 by EJ   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Get a can of paint remover at Wal Mart or some other store and remove the paint. Very easy to do, just follow instructions on the can. Won't harm the lantern in any way. The loose wires can be soldered or brazed back on. I have no information as to Kelly Lanterns. Posted Thursday, January 4, 2018 by LF

A. That the globe fits snugly against the guard wires without any space inbetween suggests to me that the globe isn't original. I've never seen a lantern where the guards actually touch the globe. They are meant to protect the globe from impact...but how can they do that if there's no buffer? Posted Thursday, January 4, 2018 by JP

A. Yes I hear what you are saying about being a buffer. That would be logical. Some one on another site showed me what a Kelly globe is shaped like by showing me a picture. But here is what I can't figure out. I looked at it again and the vertical wires are welded on top & bottom. As it is there is no way to get the globe out? So how was it ever exchanged? Is there anywhere that I could find more info that anyone knows about? I've searched online for Kelly lamps and there are almost non existent. Thanks! Posted Friday, January 12, 2018 by EJ

 Q3411 Safety Globes  When did they first start marking globes with 'Safety First'?  Posted Wednesday, January 3, 2018 by DRN   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. This is a difficult question to answer with any precision, because markings on globes were purely optional to the purchasers; no markings were required at all, and any markings the purchaser ordered probably increased the cost. Lettering molded into the globes, usually the RR initials, began well before removable globes came into style (med-1800's), and the manufacturers were no doubt pleased to add anything the RR's wanted (at slight extra cost, of course). See the Link for the first pic which showed up on a quick search, from a 1918 Handlan publication about globes in the Archives section of this website, showing a "Safety First" globe. (Alco at: http://www.railroadiana.org/library/pgCat_Handlan1918.php) But the practice probably goes much further back on individual RR's.  Link 1  Posted Saturday, January 6, 2018 by RJMc

A. It's easier to answer where the slogan 'Safety First' came from, and when. The Link is to a PowerPoint presentation given at NASA; it claims that the slogan was originated and made popular about 1911 by the first director of the newly created Federal Bureau of Mines, Joseph Austin Holmes. The purpose of the Bureau was to try to reduce the terrible casualties then occurring in the mines. (The presentation also shows how the Bureau set up a special train for mine rescues, used for safety training at field sites when not at emergencies.) Of course the RR's and the mining industries are very closely related so the slogan no doubt moved rapidly into the RR industry, probably also driven by the Federal control of the RR's during WW I. Link: http://mtweb.mtsu.edu/rowell/presentations/01safetyfirstnasamsfcwords.ppt Link 1  Posted Saturday, January 6, 2018 by RJMc

A. Some further looking (see link, which is about British safety practices) credits the US C&NW RR as initiating the 'Safety First' movement. "In 1910,Ralph Richards initiated “Safety First” on the Chicago and North Western Railway, a movement that spread rapidly across the U.S. railroad system and ushered in a new safety culture....three years after its introduction in 1910,“Safety First” had spread over approximately 70% of U.S. railroad mileage." The Link notes that by 1913 the British Great Western Ry had a full-scale "Safety First" promotional campaign in effect systemwide. So it looks like the RR's were first on this, in 1910, and the mines followed after. But the speed with which the 'new culture' was adopted, worldwide, makes clear that society was ready for that message.  Link 1  Posted Saturday, January 6, 2018 by RJMc

 Q3408 Dietz Vestas in Europe  I am a lantern collector in Europe, The Netherlands to be precise. Recently I came across this set of Dietz Vesta NY lanterns, marked 4 - 45. Special is that they are unused. Since there is no US railroad over here the most obvious, I can assume, is that they where used by the US army during WW2. Is this correct? and is there evidence of? Which army group did use this type of lantern and for what specific purpose, if any? Many thanks for any help!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, December 29, 2017 by Wim   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The date on them is 1945. Did the U.S. military ever operate your railroads? The US Military was involved with many railroad operations overseas and the Dietz Vesta was one of the most popular and reliable lanterns ever made for US railroads. Posted Saturday, December 30, 2017 by JN

A. The US Army did use the Dietz Vesta and not necessarily for Railroad use. Probably more to light up a tent at night. Many have a globe marked "US" and some are stamped "Ord Dept US Army". Just because yours are unmarked doesn't mean they aren't US Army issue. I think your correct in assuming they are WWII US Army lanterns. Posted Saturday, December 30, 2017 by LF

A. See prior question numbers 2690, 2402, 1946, 1665, and 740 for some of the earlier discussions about US Army lanterns and 1945 Dietz Vestas in particular. Just put the Q no. in the "By Question Number" search box, on the left of the text box, and hit 'Go' to see the extensive prior info. I don't think we know how many of these the US Gov't bought, but it was many, many, many!) Posted Saturday, December 30, 2017 by RJMc

 Q3407 Brass Lantern W/O Markings  I have been trying to find information on this brass lantern. There are no marking anywhere. Can any one identify this lantern? Lantern is 18 in. tall overall, 10 3/4 in. tall without handle.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, December 27, 2017 by MB   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hobson's "Lanterns That Lit Our World" shows an Adlake model, "The Queen", made from 1875 to 1910, that appears identical to the parts you have remaining. This includes the overall body shape, the closed bottom, the bail shape, the way the bail is fastened, and the round punched vent holes in top and bottom. LTLOW ALSO shows a Steam Gage and Lantern Co. model, one of the 'Conductor's' series, made (or at least sold) from 1881 to 1887, also substantially identical. Then there is the Dietz 'No. 3 Conductor's', identical except for no 'topknot' on top, made from 1888 to 1920. It is quite likely that other manufacturers produced and/or sold very similar models. And, since the lantern manufacturers at this time also traded ideas, designs, parts and even completed lantern stock, back and forth it is extremely difficult to pin down the actual manufacturer.  Posted Friday, December 29, 2017 by RJMc

 Q3400 Adlake Switch Lamp Information Needed  I have what I think is a very old Adlake switch lamp. On the outside of the door is a brass oval tag reading 'THE ADAMS & WESTLAKE COMPANY MAKERS CHICAGO'. There are two green and two red lenses, and they are held in by the soldered in shields - they are not removable. Each lens is about 6-1/4 inches in diameter and the red ones are flashed(!) on the outside and clear on the inside. Most of the lamp weight is in the glass, as the metal gauge is somewhat thin compared to more modern switch lamps. The lamp body is 8-1/4 inch square and about 9 inches tall. The round top has no markings. To fit properly, the kerosene tank should be about 5 inches in diameter. The lamp has a wood base I added as it is really tippy. I have never seen anything quite like this, including in 'The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Railroad Lighting', so any information would be appreciated. Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, December 8, 2017 by JM   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. This might be for nautical use; when permanently mounted to a pier or bridge the environment would not be as rough as on a switch stand. And I think the nautical side continued to use the square bodies much later than the RR's did, which might account for the more modern round top. Is there any kind of mounting base/fixture underneath the lamp? Posted Sunday, December 10, 2017 by RJMc

A. Hi - thanks for the insight. The mounting base post underneath is about 2" x 1-3/4", and it is about 2-1/2" long; it has a slight taper. The post is hollow, so it could fit over an appropriate sized rod, or into a tapered hole, which would give it much more stability. Actually the mounting base "top" is 5 x 5 inches and held by six rivets to the underside of the body. The body sheet metal is so thin it flexes and "pops" when the base moves. I hope this helps.  Posted Monday, December 11, 2017 by JM

A. Lamp mystery probably solved! The 1907 A & W catalog on this web site has a page showing Bridge Lamps - see Link 1. The No. 101 Bridge Lamp has a tapered mounting base post just like my lamp. A & W brags about a heavy steel body on their lamp, which mine most certainly does not have, so mine might be earlier(?). I found my lamp in Duluth, MN so perhaps it was used on a Northern Pacific Railroad bridge there. Thanks again to RJMc for pointing me in the right direction.  Link 1  Posted Tuesday, December 12, 2017 by JM

 Q3398 Switch Lantern Door  How to open the door on a four sided switch lantern? It seems to slide up.  Posted Thursday, December 7, 2017 by Noellacluney   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The switch lantern doors do stick. For my stickers, I would oil the sliding parts - not with WD-40, which is not really a lubricating oil, but use something like motor oil or 3 in 1 oil. Let it soak a bit. Then I would gently tap with my plastic hammer on the door lip from underneath. If it doesn't move the door, tap harder. If you don't have a plastic non-marring hammer, use a piece of wood between the door lip and your steel hammer.  Posted Thursday, December 7, 2017 by JEM

A. I like to use a product called PB BLASTER which is both a penetrant and lubricant. It widely available at most all hardware and automotive stores. It works quite fast at room temperature and then you can go to the next step of gently tapping on the door ledge or grip. This product works really great on your railroad locks as well.Give it a try. DJB Posted Friday, December 8, 2017 by DJB

A. The above are good idea -- I do -Strongly Suggest- that you take the lens out of the door first. Lenses break easily during these "projects" ---- .... Red Beard Posted Friday, December 8, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

 Q3395 Caboose Lamp?   Many years ago I acquired the attached lamp that was sold as a 'caboose lamp'. There is a red lens which would be facing rearward. The back side has a 5 in. clear lens. What would it be used for and where would it be mounted? Holes in the back side would appear to be for mounting on a flat surface.  [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, November 24, 2017 by TC   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. These fixtures were used and re-used in many different applications (and even in different industries), but so far I can't see a place on a caboose that would make use of all the features on this light. Your light could have been mounted on the rear of a steam locomotive tender on a flat plate projecting above the top of the tender deck. If mounted that way, the red main lens facing rear would serve as a marker for when the engine was running light -- without a train; the larger white lens would shine to the front (through a hole in the mounting plate) to light the deck where the water hatches open; the smaller white lens facing down would light the ladder on the back of the tender, and the smaller red lens remains unexplained -- it might have been clear originally?? Although the smaller red lens doesn't look like it was replaced. This is all guessing so far; hopefully someone has seen these in use and can advise. The Links are to pix of engines with lights mounted much as described above, but without some of the features.  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Friday, November 24, 2017 by RJMc

A. I didn't mention that the lamp was "new - old stock" i.e. unused. I don't think anything has been changed. I think the tender light might be reasonable. e-bay has a similar lamp w/ red and no back or bottom lights. This lamp was similar to the UP 844 tender lamp link. Thank you for the response. Posted Saturday, November 25, 2017 by TC

A. Fixtures similar to this, but with a single red lens, were used on the front of steam locomotives on RR's such as the DL&W, apparently as markers for when the engine was backing up. That application had no need for the pass-thru or down-facing lenses.  Posted Sunday, November 26, 2017 by RJMc

A. A further check: if the bulb is the one which came with the fixture, see if it is a 32 Volt bulb ( and DON'T try to light it with 120 Volts!!). The bulb should be labelled on the top. Despite the unusual voltage, the bulbs were generally the same size and had the same, interchangeable screw bases (this is called the Edison base) as regular building or household bulbs. Most steam locomotive electrical systems were 32 Volt and ran off steam-driven generators, with no batteries; they only needed power when the engine was operating. Most cabooses, when they had electrical systems at all, were 12 volt systems and ran off wheel-driven generators backed up with storage batteries, since work continued in the caboose whether it was rolling or not. This also allowed some use of automotive technology.  Posted Friday, December 1, 2017 by RJMc

 Q3392 Headlight Reflector?  I was told this was a reflector for a Train front light .. I can't find anything like this anywhere . Hopefully you can help me . Its stamped Matisse Bros. I do know the made reflectors in the 1920's for headlights , but this is all I know .. Its 14.5 inches in diameter and made of uranium glass & copper. Thank you so much for any information.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, November 13, 2017 by RP   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. This is an appropriate size for a RR headlight reflector, and the shape is about right. RR's did use "Golden Glow" (a trade name) reflectors which would have performed very much as this one would. The Link is to an article about the use of uranium glass and other similar types of glass in Japan and Asia. However, we have to note that in the early 20th century many kinds of vehicles and ships used large reflector headlamps and spotlights, prior to the adoption of sealed beam lamps, so its difficult to confirm specifically RR use.  Link 1  Posted Monday, November 13, 2017 by RJMc

 Q3390 Lamp ID Needed  Can you help Identify this red and beveled clear glass signal lantern with badger oil wick inside?  [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, November 8, 2017 by Martin   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q3385 Highest Lantern Price?  I'm getting into lantern collecting and am realizing there are many many rare and super rare lanterns that exist as only a few known examples or maybe only one known. My question is out of personal curiosity: what is the most anyone has seen a lantern sell for? Not looking for a line or specific lantern just curious as to how much some of the rarest or most desirable have gone for in the past. I've seen some go 4 figures and would imagine some would go in the ten thousands but have any that anyone knows of gone in the 20s, 30s ...100 thousands? Again I'm not looking for specifics on individual lanterns; just curious as I'm looking at some of the rarest of my favorite railroad and seeing there are only one or a few of some lanterns and globes. Thanks for any input.  Posted Wednesday, October 25, 2017 by PM   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. If memory serves, and it often doesn't, a few years ago at an auction a Santa Fe(?) lantern with an extended base blue cast globe sold for $25,000 or so. A year or two ago a Northern Pacific lantern with a green cast globe went for about $15,000. From what I am seeing, generally most railroad lanterns, lamps, and other items are seeing price drops as collectors age and downsize, and people become less interested in buying "stuff". I think this is also true in the railroad china collecting area. And today you can't give away Grandma's china either. The RR collecting area isn't in Beany Baby territory yet, but it may get there some day.  Posted Thursday, October 26, 2017 by JEM

A. I also remember that $25,000+ figure reported on an internet forum some years ago -- which is the highest lantern/globe price that I've ever heard of. Regarding china, Richard Luckin (one of the major RR china experts) was quoted in Trains magazine a few years ago as saying that RR china values were declining. A lot of collectors seem to think this is the wave of the future. However, some people say that US Civil War artifacts have remained very popular among collectors, even though no one alive experienced that conflict personally. So it's possible that railroad stuff will not completely fade away. Ultimately it's anyone's guess. Posted Thursday, October 26, 2017 by PK

 Q3378 Handlan Lantern Questions  I have a lantern that has no markings other than the wick adjuster handle which say Handlan, St. Louis Mo. The wick adjuster has a patent date of 5-9-08 and you can see that there are 4 prongs that appear to be for a secondary chimney of about 1 1/8th diameter. It uses a round wick. The font is part of the base and of course, is not removable. Is this a Handlan lamp? If so, is that the correct wick adjuster? If it is not, what is the correct wick adjuster?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, October 2, 2017 by GJE   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I see that loop in the vertical wire for the bail (handle) attachment in a picture of an MM Buck lantern on page 146 of Barrett's book - Encyclopedia of Railroad Lighting Vol I. AS MM Buck was a Handlan predecessor, you could consider this a Handlan lantern. This style of lantern is featured in an 1893 catalog as shown in Barrett's book. Hard to know about the burner - it may have come from a switch lamp or it may be original to your lantern.  Posted Wednesday, October 4, 2017 by JEM

 Q3377 Roberts Safety Lantern  How often do you see/find a 'Roberts Safety' lantern? I would think a collector would show more interest in this frame versus a frame made by Adlake, right? Also have a mellon globe embossed Pennsylvania Lines. Must have a higher level of interest versus Penn Central, right? Have you ever seen a globe embossed with just Pennsylvania Lines?? I am not asking for a value. How about a rating from 1-10, 10 being of higher interest. Frame an '8'? Globe a '10'? Thank you.  Posted Monday, October 2, 2017 by Bruce F.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q3376 Early RR Lamp  I recently had someone give me a very old incomplete railway switch light (no markings. There is no door but it would probably have an amber lens in the center. Any information on this lamp would be really appreciated. Thanks.  [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, September 29, 2017 by Dave   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. They appear to be switch markers possibly shop made. Green would indicate the switch is lined for the lead track or ladder. Amber would indicate the switch would be lined to that specific yard track. Posted Saturday, September 30, 2017 by Ex Sou Ry

A. I had hoped someone out here would have had a definitive answer. Page 327 of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Railroad Lighting, Volume Two, has a couple of images of a lamp that looks very similar to yours. It's listed as unidentified. It's described as having red and blue lenses, though I wonder if they meant signal green instead of blue. The author said the only marking was "5094" on the door, but unfortunately your door is missing. The measurements for the body are 6 1/4" square by 8" high. Yours appears to have a longer body. But everything else looks the same, including the base and mounting socket. If these are shop made instead of being purchased from a lamp company, I would be thinking they came out of the same shop.  Posted Thursday, October 19, 2017 by JeffPo

A. Hope this thread is still lively, I have been interested in many older square body types with skirts . there are some of these taller skirted lamp resembling Peter Gray manufacture some without tags the only distinctive feature is the vent and cap top. Me and another signal enthusiast know these signals to be Boston and Maine railroad shop made lamps, whether the body and vent are all made by B&M or the body is Peter Gray with Boston and Maine shop altered vents they all have the same type top caps plain and void of markings . the few image searches on the net for those that delve deep in early Boston and Maine Banner or rotating vane signal do carry the same taller type square body "switch" lamps atop of these vane / banner signals which appear to be Union Switch and Signal origin. discussions can be resurfaced via facebook about these lamps on the B&M pages .  Posted Monday, August 17, 2020 by Brian

 Q3370 Adlake 100s  There are several pages for various Adlake Kero’s and all the other tall globe models detailing frame and globe markings [assume on this website -ed.]; can we have one for the Adlake 100’s? The information on them seems rather elusive, so I’d like to see them better documented if possible. Could probably get away with one page with frame and globe info since the information is so limited. [Web Editor note: We'd post such info from a catalog if we had it, but we don't have anything like this. Does Anyone?]  Posted Wednesday, September 20, 2017 by MC   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q3368 Lantern Info Needed  I was wondering if anyone has ever seen or heard of the tall globe Dressel lanterns that have the NYC&HRR marking on the frame and that are bellbottoms? If so, are these lanterns considered to be rare?  Posted Wednesday, September 13, 2017 by lanternlady   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q3367 What is this?  Smells of burnt oil. Lid is removable. Handle is about 6 inches long. Please advise Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, September 13, 2017 by Bill   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Several other references make clear that a marking pot was used to carry paint, ink, chalk powder or even lamp black and a brush, an arrangement suitable for marking bags of grain, cartons, or almost anything else, probably including the stenciling of data such as car numbers and inspection dates. Whoever used this one as a smudge pot was probably mis-using it.  Posted Thursday, September 14, 2017 by RJMc

A. If you go to 'Railroadiana Home' and select the item 'Extract from Master Mechanics...' you will find a document describing how the RR industry early in the 20th Century standardized types of tinware such as this. Fig. 22 in that document shows a drawing of your item; the description of it says "A universal form of marking pot." (That said, marking what?? they don't say.) But the Master Mechanics ran the mechanical department: shops, roundhouses, and rolling stock maintenance in general -- not the track or signal side of things -- so that field is where we need to look for more info. It appears that the handle is made as a socket for a longer wooden handle. My guess is this acted as a 'smudge pot' that could be filled with waste and oil and ignited, then placed somewhere where either the heat or light of the flame was needed.  Posted Thursday, September 14, 2017 by RJMc

 Q3366 Lamp Info Needed  I have this lantern that I can't find much information about, and I saw that this website might be able to help. It is a ADLAKE Lantern that has a total of 4 lenses, 2 being red and the other 2 clear, but when you shine a light through it, It shows purple. If I could find any info on it, age or anything, that would be great.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, September 13, 2017 by Harrison   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The clear lences on the sides illuminate as a purple when a light sorce such as the whick is lit inside, behind the door is the burner with a round whick and stantions for what looks like another piece of glass. Posted Wednesday, September 13, 2017 by Harrison

A. In re looking at the lantern again the lences arnt actually a clear but a dark purple look to them but when light shined through them,it has a purple pink look to them Posted Wednesday, September 13, 2017 by Harrison

A. Harrison, can you please say more about "it shows purple"? Are you saying that all four lenses light up as purple or just the clear ones? When you open the sliding door, what is inside of the lamp? ..anything in there that would explain the purple color? Are you placing a light source inside the lamp or shining a light clear through the lamp from the outside; in one lens and out the other? Thanks. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Wednesday, September 13, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Harrison, that is a really nice looking little lamp. It's old too, as the cap support legs go down inside of the smoke stack, rather than being attached to the outside of the cone. Quite possibly a hundred plus years old! – I have to say that I'm stumped by the color combination. The loop at the top of the bail (wire handle) is usually used to hang a lamp on a peg; often times used on a crossing gate so the lamp is free to swing and rotate around the peg thereby staying vertical as the gate is raised and lowered. – Another question; do the purple lenses have steps on the back of them (guessing here that the red ones do), or are they flat on the back and fairly thick? - The reason I ask is that if they are flat on the back, they may have started out clear and have turned purple over many years of exposure to sunlight, as much old 'clear' glass did. A hundred plus years ago, glass makers used manganese dioxide as an additive to create clear, colorless glass. Many years of exposure to sunlight caused a reaction with the manganese dioxide giving the formerly clear glass a nice purple tint, known as sun colored purple or amethyst . This tint can range from very lite violet to a fairly robust purple, and often with a noticeable pink over tone. - Red and clear would have been appropriate colors for a crossing gate lamp; clear towards the approaching trains and red towards traffic on the road. – And, another issue in the twenty-first century is that it has been many years since lamps such as yours were in actual daily use and in that time nobody knows who might have switched out lenses in any given lamp, replacing them with new and meaningless colors. ---- …. Red Beard Posted Wednesday, September 13, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Hello Red, The purple lenses are stepped on the inside, and the bail is looped. Very interesting. The muffin like top supports like you said do go into the chimney and I though that at first it being very old glass that turned purple but then re looked and found them actually a dark purple. Iv seen in some other lanterns have the same type burner wirh a round whick and stantions for another glass witch I am missing on mine but it is a small little lantern.so 100+ aye pretty cool if in fact it was  Posted Wednesday, September 13, 2017 by Harrison

A. Someone told me once it was a #52 but I could not find that anywhere  Posted Thursday, September 14, 2017 by Harrison

A. Sounds like your clear Lens is actually a "Lunar White" lens which does have a light blue/purple shade to it when lit up of viewed from an angle. It was used in many RR switch lamps. I have a RR yard Adlake switch lamp with two amber and two lunar white lens. Posted Thursday, September 14, 2017 by JE

A. Harrison, Could you send in a good clear photo of the bottom of the lamp? ..as if looking up from underneath. Thanks. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Thursday, September 14, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Hi all. Thank you for all the posts. I've found some good info on my lantern but here are some more photos showing the details. Link 1  Posted Thursday, September 14, 2017 by Harrison

A. In looking at the lantern more I just found a plate inside with patent dates ranging from 18 something-1913. Adams and Westlake Chicago.The lenses tho defiantly looks like a purple lens and shows lunar white as it is lit so maybe it was a clear lens at one time and has seen many hours of sunlight it is 104 years old after all  Posted Thursday, September 14, 2017 by Harrison

A. Harrison, Thanks so much for the additional photos, they are a big help! -- First of all , Please do not repaint that lamp. It's in excellent shape and appears to have the original finish on it. From an historical point, that makes it much more valuable than if it were to be ruined by repainting it! --- It is clearly not a switch lamp based on the appearance of the bottom of the lamp as there are no rivet holes in the floor or around the bottom edge of the body, so no sort of base has ever been fixed to the lamp, as would be required on a switch lamp -- Those small lenses look VERY much like "sun colored amethyst" glass, as I mention above. They certainly are not Lunar White. All the information points to the idea that it is a crossing gate lamp, though those small lenses could be some sort of purple signal glass (for what, I don't know though)-- Something to remember about patent dates is that an item can be No Older than the most recent patent date, and in fact could be a decade or more newer than the last patent date listed, as patented features tended to be used by a manufacturer for some time into the future after the patent was granted. The 19-Teens and Twenties were about the time railroads were beginning to standardize signal glass colors across all railroads, so without knowing more about what road it came off of, that purple/violet color could have been used to mean many different things (providing that the lenses started out that color, and aren't "sun colored" formerly clear lenses)..still thinking crossing gate lamp, though. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Friday, September 15, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

 Q3363 Blue over Clear Presentation Lantern  I recently found this lantern in the Nashville Tennessee area. The man I purchased it from knew little to nothing about it. It belonged to his father's estate. He was an avid railroad collector. The globe is marked A.J. Berry M. D. It is a Dayton lantern. Is it possible that a railroad could have presented this lantern to Mr. Berry for his service with the railroad as a doctor? I have researched this name and found very little. Thank you for your help.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, September 3, 2017 by Mike   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. If you look through employee timetables (not the train schedule ones that the railroads gave to the public) railroads usually listed doctors who served railroad employees for the company. It is very possible the railroad gave this lantern as a retirement gift, even though a doctor was not usually a railroad employee. Posted Sunday, September 3, 2017 by JN

A. In Omaha, the Union Pacific maintained an entire staff of Medical Doctors who worked for the railroad. Their sole practice was to care for railroad employees; other doctors were contracted with as well, and a significant portion of their practice was made up of railroad workers. In outlying areas, as JN mentions, there were doctors who were contracted with the railroad to provide medical services to employees. The railroads had very good medical care for their employees, thanks entirely to the various railroad labor unions and the tenacity of the working men who were willing to go without wages for months at a time during the long and bitter strikes that wrangled benefits like that out of management. ---- .... Red Beard  Posted Monday, September 4, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. So far web searches on the name, A.J. Berry, M.D., have turned up two. One in Brooklyn, NY, found in a search because his daughter married someone prominent, and the second one in Colorado endorsing a patent medicine product called Neurilla. Both of these look to be around the turn of the 20th Century, with no RR connection evident. JN is correct about listings of doctors in employee timetables. But without more to go on, it is an impossible task to search them because there is no single place they are all gathered where they can be searched, and they were frequently updated so there would be many copies for each RR. However, since the 1800's, there has been the publication "The Pocket List of RR Officials" printed quarterly, which is a directory of the officials in the entire North American RR industry. A pleasant surprise (see link) some of these volumes have been scanned, digitized, and made available both in total and searchable on the web. This makes looking up historical RR persons MUCH simpler!! One unfortunate part of your particular person of interest, however, is that the doctors were often not employees, as mentioned above, but contractors. So they may not have been listed in the Pocket List. It was probably at the discretion of each RR Co. whether to list them or not. A look thru the early 1900's issues at the Link showed many 'Berry's' but no A.J. Berry's. And of course, it is entirely possible that A.J. Berry himself was an avid lantern collector, and had no direct connection with a RR at all.  Link 1  Posted Monday, September 4, 2017 by RJMc

A. Try a GOOGLE BOOKS search - Not just GOOGLE search. They are separate and one will not lead to another. There is an A. J. Berry MD from Colorado Springs mentioned in the first result - from about the right time frame of this Dayton lantern. But others are correct - finding the right Dr. Berry will almost certainly be a horrifically difficult task.  Link 1  Posted Wednesday, September 6, 2017 by JMS

A. Thanks to all who have helped me with this search. The only other piece of information that I have uncovered is that the lantern was purchased in San Francisco in the 70s by the sellers father. He has some other items that I'm going to be looking at before too long. Hopefully there will be something in that collection that will give me a clue to who Dr. Berry was.  Posted Thursday, September 7, 2017 by MS

A. I wanted to post a picture regarding the blue over clear presentation lantern. We found this wonderful lantern in Pennsylvania. The glass is cut O.E. KIMBALL MANCHESTER NH amid the wreath, so I had significantly more to work with than most. As it turned out, Orrin Ezra Kimball was a firefighter/community leader who did a great deal for his city and apparently was recognized for it at some point. As one response suggested, Mike, Dr Berry may not have been involved with a railroad – although the explanations about railroads and their medical staffs were terrific! I sincerely hope you find out that he WAS. Thankfully his name is easier to research than John Smith, for example and having a title should help. Best wishes and good luck !  Link 1  Posted Thursday, September 7, 2017 by JMS

A. Regarding railroad doctors: As mentioned above - railroads did list doctors in towns along their lines. The Northern Pacific Railroad had doctors on retainer in towns all along its system, and they were listed in employee timetables under the heading "Authorized Surgeons". These were the doctors to be contacted in the event of accident or if there was an ill passenger or railroad employee. My grandfather was on retainer as an Authorized Surgeon for the NP and received payment for any medical treatment he provided to NP employees or passengers. I found him listed in timetables dating from 1925 through 1949. Unfortunately he never received a presentation lantern when he retired as an NP Authorized Surgeon.  Posted Thursday, September 7, 2017 by JEM

 Q3354 Missing Manufacturer's Globe Marking  I am considering purchasing a red short globe with a railroad's letters etched on it. The etched letters look legit to me. This is not my concern. My concern is there is no globe manufacturer cast or embossed on the globe. My past experience has been any etched globe that I have acquired has always been cast or embossed with a manufacturer (such as Kopp or Corning). Should I be cautious? Thanks in advance for any advice.  Posted Tuesday, August 15, 2017 by CRK   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. All my 3 3/8 and 4 1/2 Handlan etched globes are marked with either Kopp or Corning. If it is a small or hard to find RR I would be cautious. Just plain letters would be easier to fake than a logo. Posted Wednesday, August 16, 2017 by dc

A.  Thanks DC! Your comments are exactly what I have been thinking all along. Appreciate you taking time to answer. CRK Posted Wednesday, August 16, 2017 by CRK

A. There are short globes from Macbeth Evans Glass Co. that often have almost illegible, very small lettering M.E.G. Co. They look more like defects in the glass rather than lettering. (Should not be confused with the MACBETH Adlake Kero cast globes which are very obviously marked). Also, of the few GLASSBAKE 3.25" globes out there, most have a very faint and illegible logo on them. Both are very easy to miss if you don't know what you're looking for. Also on many KOPP globes, the trademark can quite weak as well. Posted Monday, August 21, 2017 by JFR

A. JFR - Thanks also to you for your informative comments. CRK  Posted Tuesday, August 22, 2017 by CRK

A. With out the manufacture mark the glass might not be heat-treated. In other words it could be a real a safety hazard. BEWARE! Posted Monday, August 28, 2017 by Ex Sou Ry

 Q3352 PRR Class Lamps  Did the Pennsylvania railroad make their own Claw footed 4 lens locomotive classification/ marker lights or did Dressel?  Posted Tuesday, August 15, 2017 by Tom W   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Thank you very much. I thought also that both were made but I wasn't sure.  Posted Tuesday, August 15, 2017 by T.W.

A. Tom; this is an important question, and I'm hoping RJMc chimes in on this as he has a much more extensive library than I do. – I think the answer is Both; Dressel made a “Keystone Type” lamp identical to the Pennsy Pilot and Tender Lamps, it is listed in the Dressel 1926 catalog as a model No. 454 and made of Gray Iron (cast). I have photos of Dressel #454 lamps and Pennsylvania Pilot Marker Lamps and they are identical, with the exceptions being the Dressel lamps say Dressel on the dome of the ball, and the PRR lamps do not; the PRR ones rather having some raised company numbers cast on the surface of the ball half of the lamp. – Additionally, many PRR steam engines had unique small Class Lamps mounted high on the sides of the smoke box in the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions, as well as the four footed pilot mounted lamps. Some engine photos show only the small high mounted Class Lamps and no pilot lamps. Other photos show only the pilot mounted footed lamps. As you mention, the pilot mounted lamps sat on a unique four legged base, as did the Dressel lamps. These footed lamps were also used as a permanently mounted marker light on tenders. See “LINK 1” for a good article on these. Which starts a good half ways down the page under “PRR Marker Lights”. A Google search of PRR steam engine photos will show examples of the pilot lamps and unique PRR class lamps. ---- …. Red Beard Link 1  Posted Tuesday, August 15, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

 Q3351 CW Lantern?  I recently got this lantern and believe it's a Civil War railroad lantern due to the date on the burner which is 1864. I am trying to find out if it is railroad and who made it. Thanks,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, August 12, 2017 by Randy   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hobson's "Lanterns That Lit Our World" shows Dietz No. 9 "Champion Railroad or Ship Lantern" made from 1870 to 1885, with the distinctive "corrugated band at the top" which looks very much like your lantern. The No. 6 Vesta offered from 1870 to 1887 appears virtually identical, but may have had a different oil pot release mechanism. A No. 7 Gem Oil Lantern (1871 -1880) also has the same frame and top band, but had a two-tube burner for sperm oil. Since the lantern manufacturers traded (borrowed, stole?) designs back and forth, others may have also made the same or very similar designs so further checking is warranted.  Posted Monday, August 14, 2017 by RJMc

 Q3350 Lamp ID Needed  I am looking for help identifying these lamps. They are oil and have mirrors. No markings or numbers. Reproductions?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, August 9, 2017 by Sherri T   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. More fantasy than reproduction, look like something from Pier One Imports. Posted Thursday, August 10, 2017 by dc

A. Fakes have been flooding in from India and that region for some time now. These look more "finished" than the first ones I recall seeing but maybe they are improving their methods (?). If you don't have a good book on U.S. signal lamps, one may help with learning to recognize a "look" so that when you see something like this, a little warning bell will go off in your mind.  Posted Thursday, August 24, 2017 by js

 Q3349 A&W Lamp  I recently purchased this railroad lamp. If anyone has any information it would be much appreciated. I believe it is Adams and Westlake. Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, August 7, 2017 by Scott R.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Is it marked Adams and Westlake? Looks like a glass chimney is missing. Is the up side down looking brass bowl attached to the wooden 'ceiling' above the lamp original to the lamp? Posted Tuesday, August 8, 2017 by JE

A. It is not marked Adams and Westlake. I believe the brass smoke catcher is original to the fixture. Posted Tuesday, August 8, 2017 by Scott R.

A. OK, I think Adams & Westlake marked their products. They're still in business and have a website. Maybe if you sent them a picture of it, they could confirm if they made it. The burner looks like an Aladdin lamp burner. You might check the Aladdin oil lamp collectors web site. Link 1. If link doesn't work, just google it Link 1  Posted Wednesday, August 9, 2017 by JE

 Q3347 Lamp ID Needed  I'm trying to find information about an unusual lamp, I believe to be RR. I'm thinking 'Caboose' as it most apparently is a signal lamp of some kind, with three lens positions. It has (had) three lenses which are missing, but were square flat plates that fit into the lens holders, the lenses could have been Fresnel grooved or just plain glass, no way to know. One lens position is fixed in place, but the glass could be removed/replaced easily, as are the other two, the two swinging lenses when not in use were slid in side the lamp and locked in position. For use they would be pulled out and swung in front of the fixed position and locked into place. The fixed position could be easily changed by opening a flap on the top. The swinging lenses being removed, changed, replaced by just dropping in or out. It has a convex reflector behind the flame, a fixed bail handle, a tang on the rear for mounting in addition to grab handles that fold flat against the back and swing out for hand holding. There are no maker markings but is stamped on the back with either 'E 5' or number '85' with a 'W' stamped in the top section of the 'E' or '8' and an '3' or possibly an '8' stamped in the bottom section of the number or letter. Any help would be greatly appreciated.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, July 24, 2017 by Stephen P.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Judging by the shape of the top of the chimney, I think that this is French, probably a fourgon (caboose) lamp. Posted Friday, August 4, 2017 by JAJ

 Q3343 Eug Halard Lamp  I have a Eug Halard lamp per the brass tag. It is 25.5 inches high. Has a white reflector. Unfortunately it was electrified. I converted it to a clock. My question regards the tags welded on the right side. First one is: 23 A 662. Second tag reads: 5 DOLE. The name plate on the front is also dated 1947. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance…….   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, July 21, 2017 by JR   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. This is a French locomotive headlamp. Dole is a town in eastern France. Posted Friday, August 4, 2017 by JAJ

 Q3342 Vesta Globe Question  Does anyone know why this Dietz Vista lantern marked 'Wabash R.R.' has a clear pear shaped globe with 'U.S.A.' in raised letters on it? Thanks for your time any attention. Best Regards,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, July 21, 2017 by Ed   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. See Prior Q 2572, which lists others as well, explaining how the US Government purchased many thousands of Vesta's for wartime service, many marked with 'USA'.The parts were fully interchangeable with the lanterns being sold to RR's. Posted Friday, July 21, 2017 by RJMc

 Q3338 Correct Pot for A&W 200?  I was wondering what the correct burner and oil pot is for an Adams and Westlake 200 railroad lantern. I'm looking at one and the oil Pot says… Use kerosene oil only and the burner has adlake on one side and I believe 187 in the other.....any help is appreciated. Thank you,  Posted Saturday, July 8, 2017 by Janine   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Despite the number the number on the burner, that is the correct fount and burner. the later 250 went to a flat wick burner marked Adlake 250 and the fount changed to longtime burning oil with no model number. later keros have both the fount and burner marked for models 300 or 400.  Posted Monday, July 10, 2017 by JFR

 Q3337 Peter Gray Lamp  I have what I believe to be a Peter Grey & Sons switch lamp. It does not appear to have been converted to electric. Is this indeed a switch lamp? If so I've not seen a Peter Grey N&W switch lamp before.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, June 28, 2017 by Jamie N   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I believe it was converted to electric due to the added solid top. See link for a picture of what it originally looked like as a oil burner. Link 1  Posted Thursday, June 29, 2017 by LC

A.  Thank you for the replies, I couldn't find any information about the lamp. It will not let me upload the inside pics to the site for some reason. The side of the light slides off. It's open with no reflectors inside.  Posted Thursday, June 29, 2017 by Red Beard

A. I read and looked at the pictures on question 2818, it's the same lamp. Mine does not have the reflectors like his. Mine has the glass lenses on it. I also submitted pictures to be added of the inside.  Posted Thursday, June 29, 2017 by Red beard

A. Jamie; First off, Yes, it is a switch lamp. - Next; it came from the factory with that solid lid on it, and was not converted from kerosene. If it had been converted from oil burning, the railroad would have simply used a sheet metal disk to seal off the top. Railroads were known for penny-pinching and would never purchase a retrofit conversion top from the original manufacturer as it would be too expensive and too cumbersome of a process to order retrofit lids when they could make a just as functional lid from plain sheet steel. - When you say that it doesn't appear to have been converted to electric, do you mean that there is no bulb socket in the lamp or no hole in the body for an electric cord? A photo of the interior of the lamp, especially the floor, could help tell if it had electric fittings in the past, which had been removed at some point. - It is possible that it came from the factory with reflector lenses and never was used as an illuminated lamp. - The railroad lamp business was highly competitive and manufacturers needed to control their costs. I have never seen a specifically reflector body from Peter Gray, with no side door or hinged lid, such as Adlake, Dressel and Handlan made specifically and exclusively for reflectors. I don't know if Gray made a specific sealed body just for reflectors or used an electric body with the side door, rather than go to the expense of creating an additional body style for use with reflectors. Even though your lamp has a sliding side door to access the inside of the lamp, it very well could have come from the factory with reflector lenses and no interior lighting hardware; OR, the electrical hardware may have been removed. N&W lamps from Peter Gray show up from time to time; so, Yes, N&W did use Peter Gray lamps. SEE, Q2818 for some discussion on another N&W lamp from Gray that may or may not have come originally with reflectors or factory electric hardware, ---- .... Red Beard Posted Thursday, June 29, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. First picture... Link 1  Posted Friday, June 30, 2017 by Red Beard

A. Second picture... Link 1  Posted Friday, June 30, 2017 by Red Beard

A. Jamie: are there any small holes for screws in the floor of the lamp? Holes would give a clue as to whether there had been an electric lamp socked inside the lamp at some point. Also, looking for a large hole, 3/8 to 1/2 inch for an electric cord. One hole in the center of the floor would be for water to drain out, so I'm asking for additional holes other than in the center. Minus any holes for screws to hold a socket in place and a hole for a cord, my guess would be that it came with reflectors and at some point, who ever had the lamp put lenses in it for a better appearance. Part of the fun of this hobby is that there are subtle mysteries that we'll never really figure out. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Saturday, July 1, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Your lamp apparently dates from between 1900 and 1907, the years that PETER GRAY AND SONS company name appeared on these brass plates. According to "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Railroad Lighting Vol. 1" by Richard Barrett. Between 1878 and 1900 the name was PETER GRAY. In 1906, Peter Gray, Sr., died and in 1907 the company was incorporated when all four of his sons took over.  Posted Saturday, July 1, 2017 by jms

A. Sorry, I meant to add that as of 1907, the company name stamped on the little brass plates was PETER GRAY AND SONS, INCORPORATED  Posted Saturday, July 1, 2017 by jms

A. No, there Is no screw holes in the bottom. I want to thank everyone for the responses. I was not having much luck finding anything on line.  Posted Saturday, July 1, 2017 by Red beard

A. No, there Is no screw holes in the bottom. I want to thank everyone for the responses. I was not having much luck finding anything on line.  Posted Saturday, July 1, 2017 by Jamie Neal

A. Quoting Barrett, this time in "Vol 2, The Railroad Signal Lamp," in his chapter on Peter Gray, he names a model "GRA SW-03, Mushroom Cap Switch Stand Lamp," and says, "At least three versions of this lamp exist. There is a short version and a taller version. The taller version apparently had a larger capacity fount. Another version exists with day targets." This certainly sounds like your lamp. Regarding the holes, this lamp has had over 100 years of time and any number of different owners. Anyone could have made modifications, including an electric conversion, and then back. Gray lamps are notoriously hard to find founts/burners for.  Posted Saturday, July 1, 2017 by jms

 Q3336 Kero Burner Question   I purchased this lantern at a yard sale and have been trying to find out all I can about it. It is marked The Adams & Westlake Co as well as SOO LINE. What is confusing is I just opened it up for the first time and the inside does not look like a typical Kerosene burner set up. There is no turn knob on the outside for the wick. I thought that might be missing but the inside looks strange and not like a typical burner. Can you tell me anything about this? Many thanks is advance.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, June 25, 2017 by Joanna   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hi Joanna, you're correct, it is not your typical lantern burner. Someone has replaced the burner with one from a railroad switch lamp; having a round wick instead of a flat one. Looking at the photo as presented on this web site, there is an oval shaped bend in the wire in the 6 o'clock position below the wick. That should be the wick advance; try turning it. The font (oil pot) looks like a typical lantern font. You can find a replacement burner on eBay, with a flat wick, if you look daily for a while. I have seen round wick burners used in lanterns before, so yours isn't the first time someone has substituted one for the other. Or, you could use the round wick one and keep it as a conversation piece. ---- ....Red Beard Posted Sunday, June 25, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. The proper burner should look like this one. See Link Link 1  Posted Monday, June 26, 2017 by LC

A. The Link in the second A above (to the Kirkman site?) doesn't seem to be working. Posted Tuesday, June 27, 2017 by RJMc

A. Try pasting this address to your browser address bar ( http://www.lanternnet.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WKL&Product_Code=WTK999&Category_Code=WTK-Heritage-Series-Lanterns ) --- frequently, very long addresses won't work in the automatic "LINK" feature on this site. - Woody Kirkman should be lionized for the work he has done in the lantern collecting world. Thank you so much Woody! ---- .... Red Beard Posted Tuesday, June 27, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. From the photos, you will need a #300 burner, but it would probably be the threaded version which is the harder one to find. Switch lantern burners are usually threaded and fit into a 7/8" opening. Does it unscrew (threaded) or are there two "knobs" that hold the burner in. That will help answer your question. Posted Tuesday, July 4, 2017 by BobF

A. While I'm not familiar with SOO LINE practices, some railroads, Southern Pacific comes to mind, occasionally used longtime burners like this one in hand lanterns for a stable, longer lasting signal due to the lower oil consumption. Southern Pacific also had some hand lanterns with unusually large founts to extend the burn time even further. I would hazard a guess the SOO LINE used the lantern this way, but I couldn't say for sure. Posted Monday, July 10, 2017 by JFR

A. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO REPLIED TO MY QUESTION! ALL INFORMATION WAS VERY HELPFUL TO ME.  Posted Saturday, July 22, 2017 by JOANNA

 Q3330 Blacksmith ID?  Does anyone have any idea who the blacksmith is that used this touch mark or hall mark? This had so much grease on it when I started restoring it I couldn't make out a lot of the engraving or get a clear image of the mark I've pictured here. It's a nickel plated Adam & Westlake lantern with the copyright date of April 26th 1864 with the name Geo W Thornburg engraved on the lantern and globe it. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, May 31, 2017 by John   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Don't know but great restoration job. You brought it back to its former glory and saved history for future generations. Posted Thursday, June 1, 2017 by LC

A. Its my understanding that the lanterns were purchased from the mfg'r and the engraving on the frame and/or globe was usually done by a local jeweler Posted Friday, June 2, 2017 by DA

A. Perhaps you could submit a picture of the touchmark to one of the online registry of marks. I did find that a George W. Thornburg was chairman of a grievance committee for Order Of Railway Conductors in Topeka, Kansas. Posted Sunday, June 4, 2017 by dc

A. Thank you LA for the compliment and DA for the good idea and dc for taking the time to look the name up on it.You found more than I did and I really appreciated you doing that.I just found out its silver plated not nickel and needless to say I was surprised.Thanks again. Posted Thursday, June 8, 2017 by John

 Q3327 A&W #250 Fuel Pot  I have this Hocking Valley Adlake 250 lantern. I have noticed that in other 250's the fuel pot was stamped 'use long time burning oil'; whereas mine is stamped 'use kerosene oil only . I want to know if there was a kerosene option with this one? Or it was a replacement part that someone used to get it working?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, May 22, 2017 by CH   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The fuel pot that you have is the earlier of the two types mentioned and is period correct for a No. 250 lantern. The burner more than likely is marked No. 250, which would also be factory original. Fuel pots marked "USE LONG TIME BURNING OIL" came with later "KERO" models, that were introduced during the early 1930's and were often used as replacements in No. 200 and N. 250 models.  Posted Wednesday, May 24, 2017 by JH

A. I do believe also, that the phrase "long time burning" was used dating back to the time when more and more gasoline was being refined for auto and engine uses and many people were not fully aware of its volatile nature and that the makers of lamps and lanterns wanted to verify what was needed to safely use their products. I have a font in my collection that is stamped use lard oil only.  Posted Wednesday, May 24, 2017 by TE

 Q3307 Orient Express Lanterns  Hello, I would love any information about these beautiful lanterns. What is the estimated date? Are they originals or replicas? They have a sticker on the bottom that says solid brass and the other says made in India. I polished the one on the left. I have searched online and have not found one like it. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, April 6, 2017 by Kim M   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. fakes these were never used on the OE Posted Friday, April 7, 2017 by Ex Sou Ry

A. They appear to be brass patio candle lanterns that are sold in places like Pier One and the Pottery Barn. Probably made in India or China.  Posted Friday, April 7, 2017 by LF

A. The 'Made in India' sticker (mentioned) is probably a clue. At least they acknowledge their work. Posted Friday, April 7, 2017 by RJMc

A. Hi! I have a similar lantern but it is bigger and has an old kerosene lamp inside. I'm wondering if that also is an old decorative lantern or something that might have been in use? Is this sort of lamp something used for a special purpose? Posted Thursday, April 27, 2017 by P.A

 Q3304 All Amber Lenses  Thank you for your excellent article I saw online about railroad lamps. I had a question that I can't seem to figure out. I saw a railroad lamp with 4 lenses that were ALL amber. I can't figure out whey a lamp would have all 4 colors the same, or was there a purpose for that? Thanks.  Posted Thursday, April 6, 2017 by Dan   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hi Dan; You ask an excellent question. The first thing to remember is that we are now over 40 years past the end of kerosene lamps on railroads.(early to mid 1970s) Many lamps that show up for sale have replacement lenses, and in non-standard color configurations; the seller often times slapping in anything they can come up with, just to complete the lamp.. There would have not been an application for switch lamps or marker lamps with all the same color lenses in a lamp. However, that doesn't mean that a railroad didn't use a lamp body with 4 yellow (not amber) lenses as a way of marking an obstacle in or near a surface road on the property. Railroads used what they had on hand in very creative ways. The other possibility is that a previous post-railroad owner of the lamp put those in there for decorative purposes. Yellow lights are supposed to attract far fewer flying insects than a white light, and it could have been used as an outdoor lighting fixture, ..or any of a dozen other uses. ---- ....Red Beard  Posted Thursday, April 6, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Hello Dan,As a re-inforcement to Red Beard's comments about how railroad's were creative and at the same time frugal,I can relate an actual story relating to your lamps with all yellow lenses in them.I grew up in central Wisconsin near the Green Bay and Western Railroad and in the city of Wisconsin Rapids,which was their middle terminal,they had a shop facility and an actual operating turntable.Around the outside edge of the pit,they had a series of kerosene switchlamps,on steel posts,spaced evenly around,and all were equipped with only yellow lenses,as a safety warning to those working in the area at night.These lamps were maintained just as if they were along the line on track switches,and received regular maintenance. This was a simple,effective,way to warn of the possible danger and this method never failed in a power failure.There you have it re the railroad's creativity.Before I go,hello Red ! DJB Posted Tuesday, April 11, 2017 by DJB

A. Hey DJB! - Turntable pits always posed a number of safety hazards. When Doyle McCormack and the 4449 crew were stranded in Omaha back in 1975 (Freedom Train), due to the locomotive having been determined to have sharp flanges, and being bad ordered by the FRA until the tires could be machined down to create an acceptable flange profile, I got to spend a fair amount of time with Doyle and the crew. They had countless stories to relate; some personal and some they acquired from other railroaders. They related one from the GN in the Dakotas: A hostler managed to put a steamer in the pit, so the terminal superintendent wired the division super for a wrecking crane. In their attempt of retrieve the engine, the crane crew managed to topple the crane into the pit as well. The terminal superintendent again wired the division superintendent, advising him of the now compounded situation. The division super wired back asking if a second crane was needed. The terminal superintendent replied -“Thank you, no. Pit already full”-, then proceeded to use jacks and timber cribbing to rectify the situation. ---- .... Red Beard  Posted Wednesday, April 19, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

 Q3303 Peter Gray Lamp  This photo depicts the lamp style which was carried by Maine Central steam locomotives. We are trying to replace those which were carried by MEC #470, a Pacific in restoration. The originals have deteriorated beyond successful repair, so we are making replicas to take their place. Apparently the original replacements are scarce items. Specifically, we need an idea of the colors carried in service, and how the internal mechanism worked to change colors. Photos or drawings of the interior of the lamps are highly desired. The lamps are marked 'Peter Gray & Sons' and stamped for the Maine Central. Similar lamps were found on SRRL locos and B&M locos. Many lasted in use into the Diesel era.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, April 4, 2017 by Richard G   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hi, I am very familiar with Peter Gray lamps but have never seen this version before it is very a early design. Your best bet is to see if the archive in the city of Cambridge MA where the factory was has any info on these I believe they have a Peter Gray reference material saved from the area.  Posted Thursday, April 6, 2017 by Brian D

A. Richard, the lamp pictured has the look of a kerosene lamp that has been converted to electric. Many railroads converted oil burning markers and class lamps to electric, and in the process removed the vent stack on the top of the lamp, then covering the open top of the body with a metal plate. -- Guessing that is a class lamp in the photo ?? It would help if you sent in a few photos of the rusted out lamps that you have. -- Old, originally oil burning class lamps would have had clear (called white) glass lenses, often with manually inserted green glass panes that fit into slots behind the clear lenses when a green aspect was required; so, no complex mechanism to flip a color filter up and down behind the clear lens as in more "modern" lamps that came from the factory as electric and some late model oil lamps. -- Again, several photos of the bodies you have would help. ---- ....Red Beard Posted Thursday, April 6, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Having now scoured the net for photos of MEC steam engines, I retract the idea of a rebuilt kerosene lamp. The lamp pictured in this question is identical to the ones I've seen in many MEC steam engine photos, and the body of this lamp and those of unaltered oil class lamps are different. In the photos I've found, I can see no exterior leavers or small handles to activate a color changing mechanism, as are found on other brands of lamps. My guess still is that these Gray lamps may have used a colored glass slide for color change, that had to be changed out by hand from inside of the lamp. -- Please do send in photos of what's left of the lamps you have. ---- ....Red Beard  Posted Friday, April 7, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Dear Sir, I have one of these classification lamps that has been consigned to me to sell at public auction. I have sold over 1,000 railroad lanterns and lamps at auction and before that I think I have sold 2,000 at shows and mail order. I attempted to contact you directly via this list but that failed for some MS Outlook issue. Please contact me and I can provide details about the lamp. I can offer in my next auction in September 2017. It is truly an unusual design. I only have one but that's 1/2 way there! Regards - Scott Czaja  Link 1  Posted Wednesday, April 19, 2017 by scott czaja

A. Scott; Can you Please take some detail photos, including of the inside of the lamp and send those in? Also ; by what means do you change the display from clear to green?? Thanks. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Wednesday, April 19, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. If I was you I would but the lamp in Scotts auction, it is likely the only one you will ever find. It is complete and I have never seen one before until your post. Posted Tuesday, May 9, 2017 by Brian D

 Q3295 A&W Conductors Lantern w/#39 GLobe  I picked this brass top, nickel plated lantern I believe to be a conductor's lantern. Now here's what I know: The newest patent date that I can read on the bottom of the bell ​is August 22, 1882. I believe the bottom of the bell says Adams & Westlake Co., Chicago. It is about 11.25 inches tall, and has a standard No. 39 Corning unmarked globe in it. It has a brass top, but a magnet sticks to everything else very strongly, so I'm assuming everything else is sheet steel or iron. This doesn't seem to be any close variation of any common Adlake conductor's lanterns; I cannot seem to find it in a catalog anywhere (though there is a similar Steam Gauge & Lantern Co. one in the Conductor Lantern section of this website). Now here's the problem. The spring wire latch is missing (I can fix this easily) and the globe is loose. As seen from the pictures, at first sight it looks like it has a globe retainer, as there is a wind deflector piece in the inside of the top vent section of the lid. However, from closer inspection this seems to actually be part of the top vent section of the lid, which brought up a thought in my mind...perhaps this lantern isn't even meant to have a globe retainer?? There are no slots or tabs inside of the lid like you usually see to hold the retainer in place, and usually the wind deflector is part of the retainer. Also, the top conical vent section of the lid is slightly loose on the lid, but if pulled upwards, taper locks against the hood section of the lid, almost giving the effect of what a spring does in a normal globe retainer. There is no evidence of these two pieces ever being soldered or stamped/beaded together. So, I guess my question is this: does anyone know what's up with the globe/retainer/lid in this lantern? Is it supposed to have a retainer? If so, how does it stay in place in the lid without popping out when the lid is opened? Or is this the globe wrong; should it have a slightly taller globe, therefore fitting tight up against the top vent section of the lid? P.S. I suspect the globe is about 1/4 inch away form fitting tight up against the top vent section of the lid. Thanks in advance everyone!!!!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, March 25, 2017 by KO   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I suggest you contact Adlake, still in business and may be able to help you out. www.adlake.com Posted Monday, March 27, 2017 by LC

A. Thanks for the reply. Never thought to email Adlake, didn't figure they'd bother with antique collectors. I'll give it a shot. Posted Monday, March 27, 2017 by KO

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