Question & Answer Board

 Q3288 Type of Lamp?  I’m not even sure this is a railroad lantern, but if anyone has any information on it, please share. Galvanized metal construction. 8.5 inches high, 5 inches wide. Lenses are 3 inches in diameter. The 'front' lens is green, the 'left' lens is clear, the 'right' lens is red. The 'right' panel slides up for access to the burner. The 'back' has a mounting bracket. It has a double canopy for exhaust and a ½ inch hole in the bottom for air to enter to feed the burner. It has NO markings or stampings to identify it. Thanks for any help.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, March 19, 2017 by TY   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Do you have the fount (fuel tank & wick assembly} any markings on it? Maybe on the brass part wick passes through or on the brass wheel to turn wick up? Posted Monday, March 20, 2017 by dc

A. I do have the fount. It's brass with no markings or stampings. Posted Tuesday, March 21, 2017 by TY

A. The exhaust canopy gives it the resemblance of an old German RR lantern but they were always well marked by the manufacturer and equipped with a handle (bail). This one looks like it might be a well done home or shop made job. Posted Tuesday, March 21, 2017 by LC

A. I agree with LC. As a sheet metal worker I would say this was custom made in a sheet metal shop. If it was made in a RailRoad Company sheet metal shop it would be marked with the name of their RR. Posted Friday, March 31, 2017 by Dave F

 Q3286 ORR&N Lantern Marking  I have an Adams & Westlake 'ADAMS' Embossed Lantern Frame - O.R.R.& N. Co with the globe embossed O. R. & N. Could someone identify the railroad? Thank You.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, March 14, 2017 by Gary L   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Oregon Rail Road & Navigation Co Posted Tuesday, March 14, 2017 by CD

A. Oregon Railroad & Navigation Co Posted Wednesday, March 15, 2017 by BobF

A. Per Bill Edson's Railroad Names, and the Link, this company started out in the late 1800's as the Oregon Railway & Navigation Co., which might account for the OR&N on the globe. After 20 years or so it morphed into the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Co., per the stamping, for a couple of decades in the 20th Century. The 'Navigation' refers to steamboats on the Columbia River, one of the origins of the company. Link 1  Posted Thursday, March 16, 2017 by RJMc

 Q3280 Protecting a Lantern in Use  I have read the pages on lantern cleaning and I have purchased a book on it written by Les Winn; however, all the steps lead to a lantern that it coated with a clear lacquer, hence my question. I love to light my lanterns and have them on my deck outside at night and in the garage (never in the house) and this would not be possible with a lacquer coating applied. So after the cleaning process is done, what is the proper way to protect the lantern from rust, while still allowing it to burn kerosene?? Thanks.  Posted Saturday, March 4, 2017 by Mike L.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Dear Mike: The best way to prevent your lantern from rusting is to store it where it never gets wet or damp. Never let come into contact with rain, snow, ice, dew or store it in a damp location. I suggest to thoroughly clean it with a detergent, remove all rust and scale and then paint it with a good grade of high temperature engine enamel, flat black color. I don't know why you hesitate to operate the lantern inside? If the lantern stinks like sulfur, just install a new wick and only use 1-K grade fresh "water clear"kerosene with a flash point between 124 to 150 deg.F and you should be fine. (You could wash the old wick in liquid detergent and then boil it in distilled vinegar to remove the odor when the lamp burns.) NEVER use the red tinted kerosene. It will gum-up the wick and stink. NEVER use paint thinner or anything with a flash point below 124 deg F. as fuel. (If any gasoline contaminates the fuel you will quickly have a fire bomb! Don't laugh, people have done more stupid things!) Be sure to carefully adjust the flame so there is a clean white light and no smoke. Never leave the lantern burning when you are away from it. Good luck - SEW  Posted Tuesday, March 14, 2017 by SEW

 Q3278 Lamp Interior Pictures Needed  I have a Great Northern semaphore lamp, but I need to know what the interior looks like as I am missing parts. Does anyone have pictures of the interior which also includes the prismatic glass reflector in these lamps? A 1907 Adlake catalog refers this as a Number 9 model. Much later they were a #254 Adlake semaphore lamp. Thanks for your help!!  Posted Friday, March 3, 2017 by Jeff H.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q3277 Oldest LIRR Lantern?  I've been collecting LIRR memorabilia for long time. I believe the LIRR began service about 1834? I believe I have probably the oldest one. It's a Steam Gauge & Lantern Co. It's a Brass Top and wire bottom lantern with a clear unmarked 5 3/4 inch globe. Right under the marking for Steam Gauge & Lantern Co. is marked Syracuse, NY. The Lid is embossed L.I.R.R. The Steam Gauge & Lantern Co. originally was located near Rochester, NY burnt down in 1888 with 35 employees dying. They also merged with the R.E. Dietz Co. in 1887. I'm guessing that it was produced about 1890's or so, once the Steam Gauge & Lantern Co. moved to Syracuse, NY. So there was about 60 years that no other LIRR lanterns were found. Have you heard of any LIRR lanterns earlier than mine? Please, advise? Thank you.  Posted Friday, March 3, 2017 by jrscpu   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I am not sure if you mean oldest LIRR lantern made, or the "earliest surviving" one. Since the LIRR existed from the 1830s it certainly would have had lanterns made during its entire existence. The question is what happened to them. Wikipedia confirms the 1834 date on the LIRR. According to "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Railroad Lighting Vol. 1" (Barrett), the Steam Gauge & Lantern Co. existed between 1881 and 1897. Barrett offers intricate detail about the partners and history, including predecessor firms. The immediate predecessor firm was the Buffalo Steam Gauge Company, Buffalo NY (1866-1875) which reorganized as the Buffalo Steam Gauge & Lantern Co., Buffalo NY (1875-1876) and moved to Rochester, NY in 1876. In 1881 it reincorporated as the Steam Gauge & Lantern Company in 1881, erecting a new factory in Rochester. Indeed, after the tragic 1888 fire, the company never resumed business in Rochester and moved to Syracuse where they had built a new plant. Barrett says that in 1897 the R.E.Dietz Company purchased the Steam Gauge & Lantern Co. and gives an "ending" date for Steam Gauge of 1898. If you want to try to find out more about LIRR lanterns you might check with Key Lock & Lantern (Link #2). The SG&L Rochester plant and even predecessor companies likely made lanterns for the LIRR, but indeed there seem to be only a very few, rare survivors from any manufacturer(s). Surviving lanterns could be going unrecognized (many Civil War and earlier lanterns were unmarked) or owned by collectors who do not want items in their collections made public. I would be incredibly thrilled to have one !  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Friday, March 3, 2017 by JS

 Q3275 Armspear Lamp Question  I just acquired this Armspear switch lamp which has the spring loaded adapter. I would like to remove the spring loaded adapter to make it more stable when standing . Any advice would be appreciated on how I would be able to go about this or alternatively stabilize it if not too elaborate. Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, March 3, 2017 by Alan B.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Alan: first of all, DON'T -- Piece by piece, we (railfans collectively) are destroying irreplaceable pieces of history by doing what you are suggesting! That "adapter" is formed very specifically to fit the uniquely angled tip of the switch stand target rod for the railroad your lamp came off of. Those blocks are becoming scarce as hen's teeth, and serious collectors are having to scour the earth to find ones to fit specific switch stands. -- Your photo is of little help; can you send in one, looking upwards at the base of the lamp? -- On an Adlake, the spring loaded block would have a threaded screw hole in it, and there would be a slot in the base to access that threaded hole. With your base design, there is no room for such a slot in the cast base. The best bet (without seeing the base via a better photo) is to invert the lamp, push the spring block up into the base as far as you can, and then jam something in there between the walls of the base and the side of the spring block to make the block stick up there. A Popsicle stick might work, or a length of solder that you've beaten flat on one end. -- What ever you use to jam up in there can be filed or block-sanded to be flat with the bottom of the base after the spring block is secured. You might even be able to use a slender wood screw of small size to jam between the block and the inner base wall. --- I really do encourage you NOT to remove that block, however. Some collector that inherits that lamp decades from now will be very grateful that you left it in place. ---- .... Red Beard  Posted Friday, March 3, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. An image was sent by Alan but left off the original question. Here it is: Link 1  Posted Saturday, March 4, 2017 by Web Editor

A. Hi, thanks very much for your advice. The web editor posted a photo of the bottom you asked for. However I agree with your suggestion to avoid altering a piece of history. The jamming idea is excellent and will allow me to stabilize the lamp while the lamp can be restored later on to its original state.  Posted Sunday, March 5, 2017 by Alan

A. I made a wooden base that has a block of wood on top that goes inside the mounting socket, providing stability for a lamp I have with a small base like yours. I have a lag bolt on the side that secures it even more, but you don't really need that if the socket is tight enough around the wood block. See attached links... Link 1  Link 2  Posted Tuesday, March 7, 2017 by JeffPo

A. Thanks Jeff. Your base looks very refined. Definitely something to consider. Unfortunately there are no holes in my base for any type of lag bolt or screw and I definitely want to avoid drilling a piece of railroad history. But the close fit approach may work well.  Posted Saturday, March 11, 2017 by Alan

 Q3273 Brass Top Lantern  I recently received this lantern from my wife as a gift and am looking for any information you might have as to the manufacturer and date. I have a few lantern books but they do not have anything similar. The marking is very faint and appears to say BEIS NOV.23.6. It appears to have been electrified some time in the past and has no burner. The globe is 5 3/8 tall. Thank You.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, March 3, 2017 by Eric K.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Photos sent as attachments to this email address can be posted to questions as a response. Make sure to indicate in the email what question it's in response to -- helps me figure out where to post it. Posted Monday, March 6, 2017 by Web Editor

A. Here's William Westlake removable globe lantern Circa 1865.  Link 1  Posted Monday, March 6, 2017 by Dave F.

A. Eric, The top looks extremely similar to a William Westlake lantern circa 1865. I believe that the top has been added to a later (1890?) wire bottom lantern frame. The bottom (where the fuel pot would sit) looks like a modified tin can? that now would hold the electrical parts. I don't know if it is possible to post a photo in a reply? If there is a way I can send you a photo you will have an idea as to the style lantern that the top would have possibly been a part of. Posted Monday, March 6, 2017 by DaveF

A. I have question for Charlie. I also have the same Brill lamp bottom. I purchased a burner on eBay based on your description. It came with a shade holder base on the bottom of the burner. I was told that the chimney was held in place by the burner petals. Can youngest a picture of your burner or send it to me. Thanks.  Posted Thursday, October 1, 2020 by Doug

 Q3269 Use of E.T. Wright Lantern?  Curious about this trainman lantern. Produced by E.T Wright & Co. Hamilton Ontario with a Pat. Date of 1908. Branded C.N.R. It has a red bulls eye lens and a side bracket. How would this lantern been used? Was the side bracket just to assist in storage so they were not kicking around on the floor?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, February 23, 2017 by Dave S.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Another possibility is use as a marker on a track speeder or motor car.  Posted Friday, February 24, 2017 by RJMc

A. I have some Canadian lanterns with wire hooks/brackets, which were apparently used to hang the lanterns on the rear gates of passenger cars. The folding scissor-type gates (similar to wooden baby gates now, used to keep toddlers, or pets, from getting onto stairways) are stretched across the the walkway to prevent anyone from accidently walking off the otherwise-open rear end of a passenger train. Hanging the lantern(s) on the rear gate makes them ready-to-hand for a flagman leaving the back of the train to go back and flag, as well as getting them up off the floor and protecting them from damage, and keepting the smell of burning kerosene out of the car interior. The placement of the red lens on your lantern, and the fairly narrow solid bracket, makes it look to me like this one could have been used as a marker. That fairly narrow flat steel bracket looks like it would go into a conventional side-mounted marker bracket, pointing the red lens to the rear.  Posted Friday, February 24, 2017 by RJMc

A. I own one of these and know a few who also own these. We've always referred to them as Carriage lanterns because of the bracket, as it's the same as those used on carriages and those aren't railway related. Ones marked with a railroad like this one I would guess they used them as markers but I'm not totally sure.  Posted Saturday, March 4, 2017 by DrewG

A. Years ago I bought one in Ontario. The shop owner said the were sold to farmers for their wagons. Interestingly the initials CNR were covered with blobs of solder. A little heat removed this ,exposing the initials. I feel this is an example of a manufacturer using surplus parts to create a non railroad item. Posted Sunday, December 17, 2017 by shvlhdbob

A. Years ago I bought one in Ontario. The shop owner said the were sold to farmers for their wagons. Interestingly the initials CNR were covered with blobs of solder. A little heat removed this ,exposing the initials. I feel this is an example of a manufacturer using surplus parts to create a non railroad item. Posted Sunday, December 17, 2017 by shvlhdbob

 Q3266 Kero Lantern Info Needed  Hello, looking for information on this lantern, any ideas on time (year) of production, use, etc. Would like to add to a display on lanterns in the Myrtle Beach Train Depot but want to have some good info before we do. Any help at all would be appreciated. Thank You   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, February 17, 2017 by Troy M   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Look on the very bottom of the lantern. It MIGHT have a date after Adlake Kero, such as 4-55. 4-55 would indicate the fourth quarter of 1955, and so on. If there is no date then it is probably after mid 1965. Posted Friday, February 17, 2017 by BobF

A. Dear Sir: Your lantern is an Adlake Kero M400 conductors/brakeman lantern. Note there is a clip that holds the top to the wire frame and secures the globe inside the lantern. With your finger, gently lift the clip and the top will swing up. This will allow removal of the globe and burner/oil font assemble. The wick raiser assembly is a "twist lock" type that turns approx. 1/8 turn and lifts out of the oil font or oil pot. Look down in the oil font and you will notice that it is stuffed full of cotton. There is a hole in the center where the wick extends into the oil. I think the cotton is in the font to prevent the oil from spilling out and causing a fire if the lantern is knocked over. - SEW  Posted Saturday, February 18, 2017 by SEW

A. Hi, I would like to add to SEWs reply. He mentions cotton inside the oil pot. If you are not going to use the lantern you may want to pull all of the cotton out. (You will probably be surprised as to how much is in there!) The reason you should pull it out is that the cotton will absorb moisture and can rust out the pot over time, especially in a humid climate. You can still fire the lantern without the cotton inside the pot should you so desire. Posted Saturday, February 18, 2017 by JN

A. Be advised that the comments the moderator made about removing the cotton from the oil pot, when not filled with kerosene, are exactly what happened to my Adlake. My oil pot was destroyed by rust! However, I would also like to state that another major reason the cotton was in the oil pot was to help contain the kerosene when the lantern was swung in a circle motion. This is the signal to the engineer to back-up. Without the cotton the kerosene could likely sling out of the lantern.- SEW Posted Thursday, February 23, 2017 by SEW

 Q3264 Info on NYNH&H Lamp?  Just acquired what I think is an older vintage NYNH&HRR Main Line switch lamp. If this prompts any particular interest, I would certainly appreciate any comments. I stumbled upon it at auction and found I just had to have it. It has two golf ball sized dents in the top housing but overall is in pretty nice condition otherwise. Lenses and burner are all intact. I don’t believe it is a terribly common unit but am certainly no expert and could be wrong. Either way, I just really like it. Many thanks!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, February 11, 2017 by Brian   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Brian: Can the lenses be removed? If so, how? And what does it say on the back side outer rim of the lenses?, Thanks. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Monday, February 13, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Brian: additionally, on the inside of the door, under the lens, there is an oval emblem; what does it say inside of that oval? Can you send in a close-up photo of that emblem? Thanks, ---- .... Red Beard Posted Monday, February 13, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Red Beard, Lenses are installed to an outer lip and swaged in place from the inside. Do not appear to be easily removed. The oval emblem reads "Peter Gray and Sons, Makers, Boston. Engraving on lens at 12:00 location is "CORNING PAT 10-10-05; at 6:00 is "U"; at 10:00 is "312F" with the numbers being very light and not square in line, as they might have been manually stamped in the mold. Appreciate your responses, never would have found the lens engraving! Thanks, Brian Link 1  Posted Tuesday, February 21, 2017 by Brian

A. Hi Brian; That is a very old lamp design, likely from the late 1800s. -I was hoping RJMc would chime in on this, as he has an extensive library on old lamps- The lamp is in extraordinarily good condition for something of that age, indicting that it saw minimal use on the railroad before going into someone's collection. Square body switch lamps don't show up very often, as most of them haven't survived. The 1905 patent date on the lenses indicates that it was actually made in the early 1900s. Cylindrical body lamps were introduced around 1900 and quickly became the industry standard; so again, you have a very old piece, and in unusually good condition. - Peter Gray & Sons was a Boston based lamp manufacturer, selling mostly to northeastern railroads; New Haven (your lamp) and Maine Central were principle customers for Gray. ---- .... Red Beard  Posted Friday, February 24, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Certainly appreciate the replies. I will continue checking. Posted Monday, February 27, 2017 by Brian

A. Brian, Peter Gray lamps such as this are uncommon but not particularly rare, however having the "MAIN LINE" marking on the bell is very rare. I have one of these also for the NYNH&H RR that is marked "YARD" and has standard NHRR lunar white and amber lenses. I have also seen a B&M RR version with "DERAIL" on the bell. Brian D Posted Monday, February 27, 2017 by BWD

 Q3263 CPR Handlan Lantern  I bought this lantern recently. It's very clearly a Handlan (I think #176) and has a Handlan marked burner, but there are no other marks or patent dates on the lantern. The only markings on it are CPR. I'm wondering why this one lacks any makers marks, could this have been made by a Canadian manufacturer for Handlan so it could be sold in Canada? It's got thick green paint so I may be missing some small markings but I'm worried about the condition underneath so I'm debating removing it or not. Thanks a lot.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, February 7, 2017 by Drew G.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. If it has the snap off font (can't tell from the photo)......it might be a Handlan lantern with a Handlan-Buck snap off bottom font holder cup. Handlan never marked their name on the top of the lantern of this style but marked the bottom snap off font holder cup instead. In contrast, Handlan Buck always marked their name on the top of this style, but left the bottom snap off font holder cup blank. They're both the same maker, just slightly different dates of production of the same exact parts, with Handlan Buck the earlier. It might be a mix of parts using a Handlan Buck part on a Handlan lantern. Posted Wednesday, February 8, 2017 by BobF

 Q3261 C&NW Marking  I have an older Adlake tall globe lantern that's marked C&NWRR on the lid and the globe is embossed C&NW Ry. This is the first lantern I've seen marked RR instead of Ry for the Chicago & Northwestern. Maybe another named railroad? Thanks.  [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, January 26, 2017 by Nick G.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Most pre-1900 or so lanterns, keys and locks from the Chicago & Northwestern were marked C&NWRR....even thought the correct marking should have been "RY" instead of "RR". There are quite a few lanterns from the Chicago & Northwestern marked just like yours. Strangely, the lantern globes were correctly marked C&NWRY. Some very early keys were marked RW (for railway), and some very early lantern globes were marked C&NWR. There was English money invested in the line and the C&NWR marking would be of the English style, as also done in Canada (GTR, CNR, CPR, etc.) Posted Friday, January 27, 2017 by BobF

 Q3260 Lantern Model?  I have a lantern that looks to be a marine style lantern; a No.0 style lantern globe seems to fit it perfectly. The only name I can find is on the burner. BB&C Co. Bristol Brass ? I did find a similar lantern in Lanterns That Lit Our World Book Two by Anthony Hobson. A Helvig style of lantern ? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, January 26, 2017 by Nick G.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A.  Another possibility for the burner is Bridgeport Brass Company. The link is from The Lampworks and it has a short history of Bridgeport Brass Co.  Link 1  Posted Friday, January 27, 2017 by KM

 Q3258 GT Ry Lantern  I picked up this lantern at an estate sale. Embossed on top of the shoulder cage is: Grand Trunk Ry. The top has the following: The Adam & Westlake Company - Chicago - New York.After searching the Q & A page, most specifically question 1156 which I posted, the last post on that question makes me think this lantern might of been manufactured by Boxall from Toronto Ontario but I am no expert and not sure this is the case. I normally collect oil lamps. Also, this lantern has a glass insert oil container with the inscription: E Miller Company Made in USA on the brass wick turner. Would this be the right oil container for this lantern as most lanterns have a metal container? Any idea how old this lantern is? There is an area on the bottom where there must of been a lock mechanism to lock the cage to the bottom of the lantern, but it seems to be missing. Thank you for any information you can give me.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, January 20, 2017 by RF   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Grand Trunk and a number of eastern roads had lanterns with glass just fonts like yours. I believe it was to accommodate whale oil as fuel. The "snap" that would lock the bell bottom base in place is missing from your lantern. Over the years sometimes the solder lets go. It is definitely an Adams & Westlake product. Your lantern dates from late 1880's to mid 1890's. Posted Friday, January 20, 2017 by BobF

 Q3255 Refueling Dressel Lantern  I can't figure out how to refuel a Dressel railroad lantern.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, January 16, 2017 by cediller887   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. You press the clip on the top to swing the lid up. Your picture shows the clip under the lid. Lift the globe out. Lift the burner / fount assembly out. The burner should then twist about a quarter turn and pull off. Just pour your liquid in and reassemble. Posted Monday, January 16, 2017 by JN

 Q3252 'Gold' Lantern Question  First, I want to wish all viewers of this site a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year! My question is this: I have a PRR lantern made by Handlan. It is painted gold. It doesn't look like a sloppy home paint job. When I purchased it the lantern was electrified. I have removed the electrical components and converted it back to an oil lamp. Now, on Ebay, I see another PRR Handlan lantern painted gold. Is it just coincidence? Or did Handlan or the PRR paint some of their lanterns gold?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, January 2, 2017 by JN   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Lanterns were often painted by railroaders to quickly identify them. One crew member might paint his gold while another silver and the third multicolor. . This helped to avoid any confusion. Keep in mind that one guy might take better care to of his lantern globe cleaned, wick trimmed and pot fully of kerosene. Another guy might not be so well prepared. When it was time to get off the engine or caboose to do some work it was easy to tell them apart and the guy who was well prepared would make sure he got the right lantern. Posted Monday, January 2, 2017 by Ex Sou Ry

A. JN; "Ex Sou Ry" is right on regarding railroad men painting their lanterns. Aerosol paint has been around since the 1950s, so a very smooth finish could have been done by a railroader at home. -- Additionally, the fact that it was electrified makes me think that whoever electrified the lantern likely also painted it at the same time. Gold is a fairly common re-paint color for lanterns that ended up as 'decorator items'. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Thursday, January 5, 2017 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Electrified? Where's the wirers? I think its the reflection from the flash from the camera not a light bulb. Posted Wednesday, January 11, 2017 by LC

A. OK got it. Old age short term memory lapse. Posted Thursday, January 12, 2017 by LC

A. Hi LC, please read my description again. I said when I got the lantern it HAD BEEN electrified. I converted it back to oil after I got it home. You are seeing the actual flame Posted Thursday, January 12, 2017 by JN

A. Hi LC, What were we talking about again? Happy New Year! Posted Friday, January 13, 2017 by JN

 Q3251 RW&O Globe  A friend of mine has acquired a globe that is cast RW&O RR in a rectangular plate. The globe is 4+ inches, looks like a Hanlan style shape and size. The railroad is Rome Watertown & Ogdensburg but not sure if it is a repo or real. No other marks are evident on the globe. Any thoughts or experiences with this type and name of globe? Thanks for your help.  Posted Sunday, January 1, 2017 by BSnyder   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The RW&O operated from 1842 - 1891 - too old for such a short globe? The globe sounds very suspicious. Check the link for Key Lock & Lantern's survey of the use of different types of globes by many railroad lines. Also see the link on this site addressing fake globes. Is your plate truly rectangular or is it a "trapezoid" as shown there? The fake globes out there are just terrible and it is so very hard to avoid them.  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Sunday, January 1, 2017 by JS

A. The globe marks are not in a trapezoid configuration but as mentioned, the size and shape of the globe indicates a Handlan type globe that probably would not have been used in the 19th century. I saw there was a reference that this line was taken over by NYC RR in early 20th century. No other information to add to this mystery.  Posted Sunday, January 1, 2017 by Bill S

A. According to Wikipedia, by 1891 the RW&O became a subsidiary of NYC. On April 12, 1913 the RW&O was formally merged into the NYC.  Link 1  Posted Sunday, January 8, 2017 by JS

A. Although I've never seen or heard of one marked RW&O, it might be an from a very early Dietz Vesta. Posted Monday, January 23, 2017 by JFR

 Q3249 Cleaning a Trackwalker Lantern  Can you tell me how to take the glass out to clean a 1909 Dietz protector trackwalker lantern?  Posted Saturday, December 31, 2016 by Lori U   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. This would be easier to answer with a pic of the lantern from the front. The Archives here on the RRiana site have a 1909 Dietz catalog (see Link) that describes the Protector model, but only shows it from the rear. Link 1  Posted Saturday, December 31, 2016 by RJMc

A. There is a wire running around top of globe that comes up through a hole and forma a loop. Use this to raise wire from top of globe. Tip forward and remove. There is also a curved metal band that you can put thumb under and raise globe above burner if necessary. Should also be a red lens facing rear that can be seen or blanked out. Posted Sunday, January 1, 2017 by DC

A.  So how is the small red lens at the back of the lamp fastened in? Posted Thursday, January 5, 2017 by KM

A. Red lens has a brass band crimped around its edge, not easy to remove. If you just want to clean it lift the clear lens to clean one side then remove globe and reach through reflector to clean other side. That metal rod sticking out is to move red lens aside. Posted Saturday, January 7, 2017 by dc

 Q3248 RR Light?  I picked this light up and I am trying to figure out what it is. It appears to have bolted to something and the output leans down about 15 degrees. It is about 10 in. in diameter and weighs around 22 pounds. It does have a socket for an electrical lamp. The only markings I can find it a number that is T129293B. I was hoping that someone might know what this is. I collected RR lanterns with my father but this is different. I got it from an auction that had other RR stuff, it is rusty / dirty and before I recondition it I would like to know what it is or what type of stock it came off of. Thanks for your help.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, December 31, 2016 by Charles L C   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A.  I am not at all familiar with the inner mechanisms of railroad signals, but my thought is that this is part of a searchlight signal. There is usually some thing mounted on the front of those signals that is angled like this that causes the light beam or the external lightto shine in a different direction. That part is known as the phankill. During different lighting conditions searchlight signals can display phantom aspects and the phankill may help prevent that from happening. Search "searchlight signal" no pun intended. Posted Thursday, January 5, 2017 by KM

A.  The link is from trainweb.org and it shows the phankill units from Union Switch and Signal. They look very similar to your item, including the prism lense that focuses the beam.  Link 1  Posted Thursday, January 5, 2017 by KM

A. Thanks so much for your help. You are right about the unit. It is an adapter for a searchlight to make the beam visible to for a limited degree of view. it is called The Phankill Unit and fits on wayside searchlights. Again Thanks So Much For Your Time And Knowledge!!!! Link 1  Posted Wednesday, January 11, 2017 by CL Codding

 Q3247 Use of Lamp/Lantern?  My wife and I purchased a railroad lantern several years ago and I asking if you would give us a better idea of its use. It has two green rounded lenses and two yellow lenses also rounded. It has a kerosene tank with a brass cap with a narrow wick. I would say it’s in good shape with the original paint. I have enjoyed it sitting in the living room, we are within eyesight of the Cape Cod Railroad and Gray Gables, a beautiful area. I grew up in Waverly Square, Belmont and could hear the train rumble by or stop to pick up coal from the large storage bins down the tracks a little way. I like trains! If you have the time I would appreciate your reply. Best Regards and a Happy New Year,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, December 30, 2016 by Gordon W   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. This appears to be a switch lamp (or lantern). The green / amber (or yellow) indication was often used in yards. Green would indicate the switch was lined for the lead track (or ladder) while the yellow indicated the switch was set for the yard track (or side track). These lamps often had a permanent marking for a specific railroad. If the railroad marking is not plainly evident turn the lamp upside down and look inside the mounting bracket. You might need a flashlight to see it but there is a good chance that the abbreviation for the railroad is cast in to the bracket itself.  Posted Friday, December 30, 2016 by Ex Sou Ry

A. Hi, Go to this link. https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/514XRPJsjzL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg It will show a picture of a lamp like yours mounted on a switch stand showing how it looked in railroad service. Happy New Year! Link 1  Posted Saturday, December 31, 2016 by JN

A. Here is a different style lamp but yours would mount and operate the same way. http://www.jeffpolston.com/SwitchLampMounted.jpg Happy New Year Link 1  Posted Saturday, December 31, 2016 by JN

 Q3246 Lantern ID?  I was wondering if you could help me identify the lantern in the photos I’ve attached or give me some direction. I received two of these from my mother. If I recall, she said they were from the USS Constitution and they had been converted to electric. I do not believe they are the correct era for the early 1800s and am not sure if they are mariner or railroad lanterns. I’ve looked through some of your photos and they look similar to the conductor’s lantern. Both the top and bottom are hinged. The globe has a vertical seam. There are no markings, stamps or signatures that I see. The only thing I see that is distinct is the shape of the pattern in the top perimeter. Any thought, idea, notion or educated guess would be greatly appreciated! Thank you,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, December 30, 2016 by Paul S.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. They have the tie down rings on the bottom that are common on marine lanterns and not found on railroad lanterns. You are correct though, they are not fixed globe lanterns where the globe is semi-permanently glued into the lantern with a plaster type material and that places them closer to the 1870 to 1910 date range. The chess pawn shape of the cut outs is found on some Helvig Lantern Company and Perkins Marine Lamp Co.lanterns. Both of those companies usually marked their products with the Co. name. Please measure the globe and give us the diameter of the top, middle bulge and bottom and the height. We may be able to match that pattern to a standard catalog drawing which shows globes from Macbeth Glass Company and that might help with further identification. Unfortunately there is not a very good reference source for marine lanterns.  Posted Friday, December 30, 2016 by KM

A.  I believe that these lanterns are not two hundred years old and are not original equipment on the Constitution. I suppose that it might be possible that they were replacements used after one of the many restorations that the ship has undergone. If that is what happened it will be very hard to prove without a manufacturer's name and some documentation.  Posted Friday, December 30, 2016 by KM

A. Thanks for the replies! The measurements of the globe are as follows; Top Flange - 2.580" Middle Bulge - 4.915" Bottom Flange - 3.980" Height - 6.5" including flanges I have a photo of the globe by itself but do not see a way to attach it to this thread. Thanks again for your help. Posted Tuesday, January 3, 2017 by PAS

A. Here's a photo of the globe... Link 1  Posted Tuesday, January 3, 2017 by PAS

A.  See page 291 in "The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Railroad Lighting,Volume 1-The Railroad Lantern" by Richard C. Barrett. There is a Macbeth Glass catalog from 1896 reproduced there and it shows a drawing of a number 237 globe which has very close dimensions to your globe. I do not know what that globe might fit though. That does fall into the 1870 to 1910 date range for production of the lantern that I gave in the first reply. The drawing does not show the extra taper at the top which is on the globe that you have. Posted Wednesday, January 4, 2017 by KM

A.  Check out page 97 in "Lanterns That Lit Our World Book Two" by Anthony Hobson. This shows two possibilities made by Perkins, a River and Lake lantern which is 14 inches high and an Improved Navy lantern which is 11 or 12 inches high. The bottom fastening arrangement is more like a dead bolt, and not the spring clip that your lanterns have. The diameter of the base of the lantern is either 5&5/8" or 5&3/4". Those lanterns were made by Perkins from 1916 to 1925, but they may have been made earlier than that by other companies also. Perkins may have acquired the molds from National Marine Lamp Co.,and National may have acquired them from Helvig. If they are Navy lamps then other manufacturers may have made them also. Due to the nature of government contracting which requires standardization, the lanterns from various manufacturers would be very similar. The chess pawn cut out pattern on the top is shown in the drawings of the lanterns on page 97 in Book Two.  Posted Wednesday, January 4, 2017 by KM

A.  W.T.Kirkman sells a replacement globe that is just like yours. Check out his Navy lifeboat globe that fits a Helvig or Perkins Marine lantern.  Link 1  Posted Thursday, January 5, 2017 by KM

A.  Try this link. Link 1  Posted Thursday, January 5, 2017 by KM

 Q3240 Lamp Info Needed for Gift  A friend of mine bought this for her father, a collector of railway things for Christmas. My friend past away two months ago, and I am trying to prepare this gift for her dad. I was hoping to add some information to it, but I can't find anything. I don't even know what it was used for?? Please help. The marking H . L. piper Montreal is very clear. Thank you,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, December 14, 2016 by Stefanie   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. H.L.Piper Montreal made many items of maritime and railroad lighting as well as many other items. Do not believe this to be of specific railroad use. Possibly general lighting in a shipboard cabin. Link 1  Posted Thursday, December 15, 2016 by dc

A. See prior Q 3089 for a very similar lamp. It is likely a ship's 'binnacle lamp' to light the compass at night. The chimney is kind of unique among various types of kerosene lamps and lanterns; I suspect that was to keep out blown water and spray, and excess wind during rough weather. As suggested in the answer to 3089, darkroom use is a possibility nut there are other types of kerosene lamps made specifically for that application, and they usually don't have (or want) such a wide 'window because of the difficulty of controlling light leaks. I hope your friend's father is into boats as well as trains....Searching 'binnacle light; on the web comes up with many pix of binnacle lights. Posted Thursday, December 15, 2016 by RJMc

A. This is a Canadian railway station platform lamp. It was hung on the outside wall of the station in the days before electricity. Yes, the chimney was advertised as "thoroughly wind proof" and were sold in cases if 6. They had a steel fount and burner and a chrome reflector. I've attached an image of the small flag station of Clarkson's Ontario in the late 1800s where you can see an example behind the man waiting for the train. Link 1  Posted Thursday, December 15, 2016 by Jason Whiteley

A.  See Q 1241 in the Archives. This looks like a triangular station lamp in the number two or three size. The lamp was probably used in the interior of a station that did not have electricity. They were made by many lamp and lantern manufacturers, not just H L Piper. The actual lamp assembly was easily removable for servicing and had a small round thumb handle so that it could be hand held and used for lighting away from the housing. Most of the major lamp manufacturers made these and their use was not limited to railroads. W. T. Kirkman Co. may be able to provide a reproduction of the missing lamp assembly.  Posted Friday, December 16, 2016 by KM

A.  Woody Kirkman makes a Number One and a Number Two Climax replacement lamp that may fit into your housing. He can also customize the tank on those if his standard tank does not fit. The reproduction lamps are available in oil fired or hard wired electric versions so your friend could have his choice based on where he plans to display the lamp. Contact Kirkman and see if his lamp will fit in this. I don't think this is a binnacle lamp because it appears to be too large and it displays the light in multiple directions. It also lacks some of the normal marine light items like tie down loops on the lamp assembly or the little tie loop in the bail.  Posted Friday, December 16, 2016 by KM

 Q3239 'IC Ry' Marking?  I have a standard 5 3/8 inch brakeman's lantern that I thought was made for the Illinois Central Railroad. It's marked on the brim of the lid with raised letters 'IC Ry' and has an 'IC RR' clear cast globe with it. Recently I was told that the Illinois Central was never a 'Ry'. Now I'm trying to find out what road this lamp could be for! Any help will be greatly accepted!  Posted Thursday, December 8, 2016 by Bob N   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. IC was a Ry at one time. I don't know the dates. If you go to Wikipedia a document is shown with Railway on it. Sometimes the name changed due to reorganization after bankruptcy or sale. For example, Erie Lackawanna Railroad became Erie Lackawanna Railway in the 70's. It also could have been an error on the part of the lantern maker, one that wasn't worth worrying about. If you go to the home page of this website, go to Railroad Names and enter ICRY in the initials, Illinois Central and 6 others turn up. You can check the other names to see what dates they operated. Is the lantern Armspear? They did make a tall frame ICRY for Iowa Central. The 5 3/8" globe would be a tall frame style.  Posted Friday, December 9, 2016 by JN

A. I'd go with Iowa Central. To the best of my knowledge the Illinois Central never reorganized and was always Railroad (RR). Both lines crossed each other a good number of times so a mismatch like this would not be at all, unusual with an Iowa Central frame ans an Illinois Central globe. Posted Friday, December 9, 2016 by BobF

 Q3238 Lamp Sign Info Needed  I would really like to know a little about my Adlake non-sweating lamp sign. I can't seem to find anything like it online.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, December 5, 2016 by KD   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hi, in the search box to the left of this screen, type 2655 in the "Question Number" box. An item just like this will appear along with the associated information that was collected. I believe the one you will find is a different maker but overall it is the same item. Posted Tuesday, December 6, 2016 by JN

A. Hi KD, do you still have this lamp? I am looking for measurments of the letter heights...if you do, could you contact me, pm AT pmsignal DOT com Posted Saturday, December 1, 2018 by pmsignal

 Q3236 What Kind of Lamp is This?  Just bought this at an antique store in UP mine country and wondering if it's a mine lamp or a railroad lamp. It's triangle shaped. Any ideas are appreciated!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, December 4, 2016 by Jaci P   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. My guess is that it is nautical; serving as the port (red) and starboard (green) indicator for the bow of a boat. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Friday, December 9, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

 Q3234 Cleaning a Lamp  I'm trying to clean out the kerosene tank on my newly acquired lamp/lantern... but not sure if it pries off or twists off. It's pretty well rusted and I'd like to do as little damage as possible while cleaning it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I've attached a photo of the lantern and a photo of the kerosene tank/pot. Thank you,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, November 26, 2016 by John D.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The cap looks pretty stuck. Can you twist the burner off instead? it is brass and should twist off. Maybe a little penetrating oil? Great lantern!! Congratulations on a nice find.  Posted Saturday, November 26, 2016 by JS

A. To avoid any confusion of terms, these comments refer only to the kerosene pot, the plug in it, and the burner assembly. There was never any reason to need to open up the whole top of the pot, so the lid on it is probably soldered or maybe even welded onto the can, and you will not get the 'lid' off without destroying the can assembly. For both the filler plug and the burner: many of these were threaded in, some were merely press fits. The brass burner base mounts into a brass insert in the steel can neck, and if threaded, the threads are very fine. You will probably want to twist off the burner, in the direction of unthreading it, even if it is one of the press-fit ones without threads. Is there any kerosene left in the pot -- or anything close to kerosene? If not, a heat gun or hair dryer may help to loosen up the burner; soaking in penetrating oil is always good, but not if you will apply much heat later. The filler plug looks like it is almost totally corroded away anyway, and easy to replace, so you might just thread a self-tapping screw thru it to provide something to grab, or drill it to be able to collapse it into a smaller diameter and pull it out that way. If you are willing to take the burner out to fill the lamp, you can leave the plug alone.  Posted Saturday, November 26, 2016 by RJMc

 Q3233 Disassembly Question  I recently purchased a Dietz No. 39 Steel Clad lantern. I would like to take it apart to remove the rust particles. I can't determine how to do this. The base seems to be one piece, with no removable parts. The top looks like it should flip open, but I can't figure out how to do that. [A photo not posted shows a stamped 'City of New York' marking on the lid -Ed.] Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, November 13, 2016 by John M.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Used by City of New York water,sewer,streets and public works departments as a hazard warning. Not basically a railroad lantern but of that type.  Posted Sunday, November 13, 2016 by dc

A. The top lid flips up once you push in the thumb latch that shows in your photo. Once the lid is up, you can remove the globe and then pull out the font (kerosene tank). If it won't pull out, it may be rusted in place and other persuasion methods need to be used.  Posted Sunday, November 13, 2016 by JEM

 Q3232 What Kind of Lamp is This?  My wife purchased this lamp for me. It is a Peter Gray & Sons. It is large and heavy. It has a huge fresnal globe inside but I am missing the pot. It would have been large and round. I took a pic next to a lantern so you could get an idea of size. Any help would be greatly appreciated. My only thought is that it is a bridge lantern like the Armspear 450. Thanks!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, November 12, 2016 by Blake   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Blake: You hit it right on the money, it is a turn bridge lamp. - As the turning span rotated 90°, the lamp, which was fixed to the top of the span, would rotate, thus changing the color that projected down the track and down the river;green shining down the track when the bridge as closed and lined up with the rail line, and red shining down the tracks when the span was opened to allow river traffic to pass unobstructed by the bridge span. This also changed the color shining up and down the waterway. (good wife you have there!) -- Would you please take some additional detail photos of the lamp and send them to the web editor? Your lamp is in exceptionally good shape. some separate photos of that cylindrical Fresnel lens would be very valuable to this site as well. Thanks ---- .... Red Beard Posted Saturday, November 12, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Thanks Red! You helped me identify my Armspear 450. I will send in some more pics. It is dirty I have not cleaned it yet so sorry for the dirt. The problems with the lamp are: One cracked lens but it is still solid. No pot. The top hinge is broken. The arm that goes over the top holds it in place so there is no issue other than I know it is there. Pics to come tomorrow. Thanks again.....Blake Posted Monday, November 14, 2016 by Blake

A. Red Beard, I am curious as to the value to see if I overpaid or not. We were at a consignment store and luckily the guy who owned this came into the store. He had it priced at $400 but I talked him down to $250 and I hesitated but my wife said she had it and it would be a gift. Any idea of value? And yes, I have a great wife. Blake Posted Monday, November 14, 2016 by Blake

A. Hi Blake; couple of things; first the site does have a policy of not discussing prices/values, you can write me at railroadraider(at)gmail(dot)com if you'd like. --- 2) PLEASE don't do anything more than just a light washdown with some mild dish soap when cleaning the lamp. That thing is in beautiful condition. Lamp by lamp, collector by collector we are rapidly destroying irreplaceable and invaluable pieces of history by "cleaning" and "restoring" these beautiful relics of the past. (AKA painting them) You can never replicate how the lamp looked when it came out of the shipping carton from the factory. You can, however, preserve the way the lamp looked when it was in actual railroad service! ...your choice --- 3) I have a C&NW #163 Adlake Distant Signal Lamp; a slight variation of the one shown in LINK 1 - Since buying it, I have seen several sell on eBay for around $400. I paid $800 for it and have absolutely NO regrets for having paid what I did for it (I had actually placed a max bid of $1,600, and would not shed a tear if I'd actually paid that for it, as I truly wanted it!!) The value of anything is what someone (including you) is willing to pay for it. ---- .... Red Beard Link 1  Posted Tuesday, November 15, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Didn't realize we were destroying our lamps and lanterns by "cleaning", restoring and God forbid "painting them" to original color. Maybe better to leave the rust on and let the humidity in the air slowly eat them up. Not cleaning is good for coin collectors but for lanterns maybe not so much. lol. Posted Wednesday, November 16, 2016 by NR

A. Red Beard, sorry I didn't know about the value thing. I will contact you directly. I sent the extra pics in so I don't know if they will post them or not. I NEVER restore my stuff. I like old, I like patina. Like you said, I just do a gentle cleaning. I hope they post the photo's I sent in. It is a great lamp. Blake Posted Wednesday, November 16, 2016 by Blake

A. ( @NR -- Didn't realize we were destroying our lamps and lanterns by "cleaning", restoring and God forbid "painting them" to original color. Maybe better to leave the rust on and let the humidity in the air slowly eat them up. Not cleaning is good for coin collectors but for lanterns maybe not so much. lol) A light cleaning to remove crud/dirt/dust is really better. If you read the old catalogs you will learn that "Original color" is usually metal - NOT painted!! A capable restoration can make it look like it did when it left the factory and is perfect for "basket cases" that need parts/otherwise too far gone to last much longer; but there are way too many poor quality "restorations" that essentially destroy lanterns that should be OK without anything being done. I would not laugh about this -- Are you keeping your lanterns in the house where something of value should be, so humidity is not a problem -? Or are they down in the cellar or out in the barn, so of course humidity is going to ruin them over time. No matter the condition or how common they are today, each is a historical piece and is NOT replaceable (they are not making them any more) and every one of them that is destroyed is a piece of American history gone forever.  Posted Saturday, November 26, 2016 by JS

A. From what I've seen, cleaning, restoring, and re-painting railroad lamps does NOT hurt the value. If anything, it seems to help the value. They are not like antique furniture. That said, I do understand why someone might want to preserve the original paint, from a historical perspective. Me personally, if a lamp looks bad, I start shaking the can of Rustoleum. :) Posted Thursday, December 1, 2016 by JeffPo

 Q3231 Conductor Globe Color  I was wondering about the purpose of the blue conductor globe in the photo? I am thinking that it is a recent reproduction or novelty? The clear one to the left is only to show a comparison of style and size. Thank you for any help!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, November 10, 2016 by DF   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I remember at least 40 years ago visiting a fellow collector and seeing his Pullman conductors lantern with a blue globe just like this. That was way before repros started coming out. The Pullman Co would have just as much need for a blue globe lantern as a regular lantern, what with their repair shops, set outs, etc. Posted Thursday, November 10, 2016 by BobF

A. Thanks RB for the info. I am somewhat familiar with the blue globe signifying a car or engine could not be moved. So you are saying that a conductors lantern, even though ornate, could still be used for this purpose?  Posted Thursday, November 10, 2016 by Dave F

A. First of all, many people on the railroad used oil lamps for a variety of lighting purposes; among them, switchmen, brakemen, clerks, station agents, and many more, not just conductors. -- Blue globes were used by carmen and men working on locomotives to indicate that the piece of equipment was being serviced and workmen were on top of, underneath, between and in the general close proximity of the cars or locomotive and the piece of equipment was not to be moved or even coupled onto, as any slight movement of the piece could injure or kill the men working on or around it. -- Blue lanterns were hung on the piece of equipment in question along with a blue metal flag, usually stenciled with "SAFETY FIRST" in white letters. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Thursday, November 10, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. A blue light is a blue light. It doesn't matter what the blue light is coming from. Posted Friday, November 11, 2016 by JN

A. Your assuming your tall Blue globe is original to your conductors lantern. It probably isn't. A conductors lantern would usually have a green over clear globe or just a clear globe. The Blue globe lanterns hung on equipment were not "fancy" conductor type lanterns. They were brakeman type lanterns with tall globes and short globes depending on the era etc, Posted Friday, November 11, 2016 by LF

A. Well, to contradict myself, I just saw reference to a full color blue globe for a conductor lantern. The Dietz No. 3 globe. Link 1  Posted Friday, November 11, 2016 by JeffPo

A. I think people are missing the gist of your question. You have a blue globe in the style of a conductor lantern globe and you're wondering if it's original, given you haven't seen a blue globe in a conductor lantern, nor would think such a fancy lantern would be used in that kind of service. I don't know the exact answer for sure, but like you I think it's a reproduction for both those reasons. In my limited research so far, I've seen ads for clear, half blue, half green, and half red globes for conductor lanterns, but I have not seen an ad for a full color conductor globe other than clear. Nor do I think they'd used such a fancy lantern to mark equipment that wasn't to be moved.  Posted Friday, November 11, 2016 by JeffPo

A. I thank everyone for their input. Thoughts..... Since the railroads did not supply employees with a conductors lantern I can't see someone buying a conductors lantern with a blue globe. Based on the above info I now think that it is possible that a blue globe that fit a conductors lantern was sometimes available to be used in an emergency. As mentioned the Pullman Company could have been a likely candidate for this. Otherwise in later years it is possible that colored conductors globes could have been reproduced.  Posted Friday, November 11, 2016 by Dave F

 Q3229 Dietz Track Walker Lanterns  What factory colors/finishes were available for the early Dietz protector track walker lanterns? I would like to restore mine to as correct detail as possible.  Posted Wednesday, November 2, 2016 by Glenn S.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Have seen many of these and inspectors lanterns. Don't believe they ever came from factory in optional colors or finishes, just galvanized tin. If it is lightly rusted, silver or cold galvanize spray will do. Posted Thursday, November 10, 2016 by dc

 Q3226 Lite Gard Lenses  Anyone know who manufactured the lenses for the Detroit Metal Products Lite Gard globes? They measure 3 inches + or -. Information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.  Posted Wednesday, October 26, 2016 by Dale T   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Here's a link to the lens size chart on this site. ---- .... Red Beard Link 1  Posted Sunday, October 30, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Dale; there are some good photos of the Lite Gard "globe" on the net (Link 1) and a good drawing of one in a lamp as well (Link 2)- Lite Gard metal globes show up on eBay every now and then, but it wasn't until I found the photo in Link 1 that I'd ever seen a green or yellow one, only red before that. All of the photos I can find seem to show a fairy good quality Fresnel lens. Most likely the lenses were from the same suppliers railroad lamp manufacturers got theirs from; Corning, KOPP and Macbeth. See my additional answer for a link to the list of lens sizes found on this site on page 7 of the 1956 Handlan catalog which lists lenses as small as 2.5 inches in diameter. I've seen Corning lenses on eBay in 3 and 3.5 in. sizes recently. You just to need to search eBay frequently under "railroad lens". ---- .... Red Beard Link 1  Link 2  Posted Sunday, October 30, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. I found out a little info on the Lite Gard lenses. They were made by a company called LL CO. The number on the red lens is 2130. DMP is also marked on the lens. Does anyone know what company LL CO. is?  Posted Wednesday, November 2, 2016 by Dale T

A. ---Oh BTW, there is also a 3" dia, green Fresnel lenses currently listed on eBay under under the search "LL CO Lens" that might fit one of those Lite Gard globes! ---- .... Red Beard Posted Saturday, November 5, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Well, well, well; live and learn! That "LL Co" information really helped. After hitting the usual search engines with no results (or, should I say, vastly too many results to be of any use), I thought to put "LL CO Lens" into the search on eBay and, vou la! - LL CO Lens brings up an assortment of automotive taillight lenses! (you have to include "lens" though) -- Get this; one of which lenses also says "STIMSONITE" on it; our old friend who made those interesting plastic switch lamp lenses with the waffle pattern, surrounded by a ring of reflector prisms. - The big Prize here is that STIMSONITE lenses have been almost impossible to research back in history past the current owner/manufacturer, "Ennis-Flint" - thanks for sharing that info Dale! ---- .... Red Beard  Posted Saturday, November 5, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

 Q3222 Dating a A&W 1112 Lamp  I need your help in dating my ADLAKE Non Sweating 1112 Bell-Bottom Switch Lamp. My lamp has 5 3/8 inch lenses (4) however a distinguishing element is the Peep Hole which I think may be an item that helps determine the period that is was in production [from- to]. Do you have any suggestions on dating this lamp?  Posted Wednesday, October 19, 2016 by Dave M.    Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Dave; PLEASE send a photo, as that would give us more to go on. -- Also, say more about why you think the peep hole would distinguish the lamp. -- Based on experience, to the best of my knowledge, all 1112 lamps came with a peep hole. The ones that show up on line without a peep hole have had a metal disk soldered over the original hole. (such as PRR lamps) -- It's pretty hard to date 1112 lamps, as they were produced over a good four+ decades with no noticeable changes (variations, but no actual changes to the original design). -- You mention "bell-bottom"; does the lamp have fork mount tubes? ---- .... Red Beard Posted Monday, October 24, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

 Q3221 Essco lamp  I am wondering about this old Essco lamp. Different from typical old headlights, it is labeled Golden Glow Searchlight. Have considered that it is nautical not railroad, however it is made of what seems like cast iron on the body and base, arm is cast aluminum. I believe and would think it would have suffered corrosion at sea. Serial number on badge on backside looks like FLE1419. ANY info greatly appreciated!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, October 17, 2016 by KH   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Many, many search lights were used on fire apparatus. Most pumpers and ladder trucks carried at least one in the 1910'S and 20'S, before sealed beam and halogen bulbs made everything very much smaller and still able to put out adequate light. See link for many pix, some very similar to yours. Link 1  Posted Monday, October 17, 2016 by RJMc

A. Question: what is the square box on the top of the spot light? Is it a transformer; and if so, what is the input and output voltage? - Also; what does it say on the bulb as to voltage and wattage? -- Something I refer to frequently is that with the level of sky glow in the 21st century, it's hard to fathom how dark the night really was just fifty years ago in and around rail facilities. Railroads used spotlights similar to the one pictured in many places. Larger yards would have tall poles or steel towers with spot lamps pointed down into areas that needed to be illuminated. Many yard buildings had spot lights. much like yours, mounted right to the building; interlocking towers and yard offices being among them. When I was a clerk on the U.P., I relied on such building mounted spot lights to illuminate a string of cars as they rolled by, so that I could write down the car numbers. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Monday, October 17, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Thank you so much for the replies! In response to Red Beard questions.. not sure if a transformer, the lightbulb socket is located inside, there is a threaded turn screw on the top that doesn't tighten or seem to do anything and a pull knob on the back that appears to be on/off. It is stamped Phila Ess co on the top. The bulb is a Mazda 1000 watt bulb. Posted Tuesday, October 18, 2016 by KH

A. On further consideration, I suspect a primary function of the box on top of the housing is to act as a chimney while preventing rain, etc from getting to the hot lamp. Incandescent bulbs such as the one in the lamp are only about 2% efficient at turning electricity into light, and the rest comes off as heat. Assuming the 1,000 watt lamp was routinely used (it does seem quite large for this service), you really have a 900+ watt electric furnace in the housing and it had to get nearly red hot. Is there any other provision for ventilating the housing? And with a lamp that large, the unit was almost certainly mounted on a building or a light tower rather than any kind of mobile application.  Posted Tuesday, October 25, 2016 by RJMc

 Q3220 Santa Fe Ry. Switch/Caboose Lamp Fonts and Burners  Why do you almost never find these lamps with the pinch pots and burners? I know these lamps are difficult to find due to the fact that the Santa Fe was the only RR that used this particular Adlake Lamp type. Thank You,  Posted Monday, October 17, 2016 by KFK   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I've thought about this same situation. The first two reasons I can think of are "decorator convenience". - 1) the pot on the switch lamps were fairly tall, sticking out quite a bit below the base of the lamp. If set on a shelf or table for display (post railroad use), they were more than a bit unstable with a high center of gravity due to the light weight of the empty pot, and could be tipped over much more readily than if the pot were removed. - 2) Most AT&SF marker lamps were converted from kerosene to electric with a special clip-in base holding the new electric bulb socket; which directly replaced the original oil pot in existing markers. The heavy, somewhat stiff rubber coated electric cord stuck straight down out of this electrified base. If you set a marker on a shelf or a table for display, the cord got in the way and made the lamp tilt several degrees off vertical making for an odd and unappealing display. Removing either the oil pot or the electric conversion base making for easier display, many oil pots and marker bases got lost over time after they were separated from their lamp. ---- .... Red Beard  Posted Monday, October 17, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

 Q3219 Conger Electric Lantern  Hello, we are trying to put some displays together for the Myrtle Beach Historic Train Depot. Someone has donated this Conger Electric Lantern to us, and I am looking for any information on it. It was owned by a former Atlantic Coast Line Employee. Any information will be extremely helpful. Thank You,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, October 17, 2016 by Troy   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q3216 Lantern Type?  I found these lanterns last weekend. They are marked F.H. Lovell Arlington NJ on the base of one of the pair. I’ve never seen this type before. They seem like they would be gas because of the top fitting, but they have handles, so that makes me wonder. Anything you can tell me about them would be helpful.  [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, October 13, 2016 by Ryan   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. They are marine or nautical electric lamps. Put F.H.Lovell Arlington NJ in Google and depending on the site you use there are many pictures. Posted Thursday, October 13, 2016 by dc

A. If they are nautical, why would they have a door on the base for emptying debris or ash? Posted Friday, October 14, 2016 by Jt

A. May have been gas. There are presently a pair on ebay # 381813595379 with many different views. Posted Friday, October 14, 2016 by dc

A. Ebay search Rare F.H.Lovell, NJ Solid Brass Nautical Bridge Lanterns Posted Sunday, October 16, 2016 by dc

 Q3214 U.P. Lantern History Question  Hello, Folks. I have been researching the 1899 Wilcox train robbery by members of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch, and I’m running into a brick wall on one point of the robbery: The engineer made it clear that he stopped the train because the robbers waved the proper signal lantern (apparently, by his own words, a single red and white lantern papers claimed they obtained from a grading crew; not a pair of red and white lanterns as normally claimed by historians). The UP historic division was no help on this, and I am hoping someone here may have some info on any red-and-white lanterns the UP may have used in 1899. All I've seen have been red and green lanterns. Does anyone have any photos or info on red and white UP signal lanterns being used in the late 1800s in Wyoming? Thanks for any help.  Posted Monday, October 10, 2016 by Vince G, Fresno, CA   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Could it have been a red over clear conductors lantern ? Posted Tuesday, October 11, 2016 by dc

A. Can't say if it could have been red over clear. It was described as a "red and white light," and from that I presume it was a double lantern with red and white lenses, but I have no certain idea. All I know was that it was a specific signal lantern the robbers were smart enough to get, and the engineer recognized Posted Tuesday, October 11, 2016 by vince g

A. Not likely a red over clear conductors lantern used as a signaling device as it would be difficult to distinguish both colors from a distance. ANY color lantern when waved horizontally across the tracks would be sufficient to be recognized as a signal to stop. Clear and/or red are the preferred colors. I have never seen a "double" lantern. Posted Tuesday, October 11, 2016 by rrbrakeman

A. Lantern in question 3212 is both red and clear. Posted Tuesday, October 11, 2016 by dc

A. DC--can you give me more info on "lantern 3212"? Was this an Adlake? Did the UP use such lanterns in 1899? thx for any details Posted Tuesday, October 11, 2016 by vince g

A. Lantern in Q3212 is a Dietz Vesta, look at Question 3212 just a few prior to yours. This was also posted by mistake in response to your request at another question.  Posted Wednesday, October 12, 2016 by dc

A. DC--thank you! Unless someone has another candidate, this Vesta looks like it fits the bill nicely. The rarity gives me a little pause that the engineer would so easily consider it the "proper" signal lantern, but with a lack of any other lanterns to consider, I have to treat this as a good candidate for what he saw, and as what may have been used in the area by the company that year. Posted Wednesday, October 12, 2016 by vince g

A. One important fact that hasn't been considered in this present discussion.......that model of Vesta (question 3212) wasn't in production in 1899. In 1899 there were bell bottom Vesta's only and I have never seen a bell bottom Vesta with that lense attachment. Posted Friday, October 14, 2016 by BobF

A. Vince: Could you please post the exact quote of the engineer that you are referring to? His original wording might give us more clues as to what he was trying to convey. His words about the signal he perceived and how the robbers obtained the lamp/s. Also a few quotes as to what the historians you cite have said. -- This would give us more to pick apart. -- Also: are you writing a piece on this yourself? ..are you an historian, or, like most of us, a curious hobbyist. Thanks ---- .... Red Beard  Posted Friday, October 14, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. OK, here are the salient points about what I have found on the lantern: "The man who used the lantern [Sundance] was a large man and perhaps 30 or 35 years of age. ...The men used the vilest and most profane language I ever heard." So its a single lantern according to the engineer A newspaper the next day reported "lantern used by the robbers was found today and identified as one purchased yesterday" So a second source says it was a single lantern. A passenger said: "The fact they used a red and white light--the regulation signal--is what fooled the engineer. Had they used a red or white light alone, no attention would have been paid to them." So evidence is overwhelming it was a recognizable Union Pacific red and white lantern, which caused the engineer to stop the train; otherwise, their standing orders were to go on through to avoid just this thing: being robbed. Where historians have been reporting the robbery wrong for a hundred years was based on one of the guards' statements (a man who didn't even see it as he was locked in a car) that "we were stopped by red and white lights," and from that the story got out that both a red lantern and a white lantern were being waved. Not so. I am not a train student but a Butch Cassidy historian somewhat specializing in the Wilcox robbery, and identifying the lantern has been one aspect of the robbery that has been eluding me The actual article is here: centralcal.com/wilcox-exp.htm Link 1  Posted Saturday, October 15, 2016 by vince g

A. This is a followup to the post I just made. Looking over my footnotes, I forgot this important note: A very early report in the June 3 1899 Salt Lake Tribune noted the train was "flagged by a red and white light, which is the company danger signal." So apparently SOME sort of red and white lantern was a recognizable danger signal for the UP back then in that part of the west.  Posted Saturday, October 15, 2016 by vince g

A. Hi Vince. Thanks for that additional information. -- I don't have access to any rules books from that era; hopefully someone else does. However, having worked for the railroad (U.P.) and being familiar with how rules are stated, I read the quote "The fact they used a red and white light..." and "we were stopped by red and white lights,(plural)" as meaning TWO separate lanterns, one RED and one WHITE (clear, uncolored globe)being held up together in one hand. Again, not having any rules books handy at the moment, I can't give you a quotation, but numerous signals were given by holding various combinations of two lanterns of different colors up together in one hand. -- I wouldn't base any judgments on the quote "The man who used the lantern..." and wouldn't assume his use of "lantern (singular)" to mean they had one lantern displaying two colors. I'd be more likely to chalk "lantern" up to being his use of language, a misquote or a simple typo. -- I can't account for the news quote "lantern (singular) used by the robbers was found today and identified as one purchased yesterday", which does imply one single lantern; unless they discarded or dropped one of the two as they made their escape. My guess here would be that they saw no further use for a red globe lamp, tossed the red one and kept the clear one. -- They would not have had to be railroad style lanterns either. Hot or cold blast lanterns were items of day to day life in the 1800s. Red globe lanterns and clear globe lanterns were stock items at any general store at that time. -- Even with the quotes you have referring to a single lantern, my best guess is that they had two lanterns; one red and one white. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Saturday, October 15, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Thanks for the input, Red Beard. It is a bit of a conundrum. It's still hard to figure out precisely what happened. The robbers appear to have had no reason or time to think, if they'd wanted to, of picking up any lantern to take with them (their hands were filled with guns for the first 20 minutes) as they all panicked and piled into the engine to run down the track when they saw a second train coming up behind. This may be a question about the robbery I will never have a definite answer to. Not a major issue, but I'm a detail guy who needs to know every little point, LOL Posted Saturday, October 15, 2016 by vince g

A. If the "lantern used by the robbers was found today and identified as one purchased yesterday," I'm guessing it was probably not railroad issue. Posted Tuesday, October 25, 2016 by RobbM

 Q3212 Unusual Vesta Lantern  I was hoping that you could provide some information on this particular Dietz Vesta lantern. Through social media groups I have learned some information as to the rarity. Some believe this may be the 7th known version of this un-cataloged option. It is not marked with any particular railroad. It is missing one 4 inch red lens on one side and the screws and clip to hold the lens in. Other than that the condition is fantastic. Any information that you could provide I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, September 29, 2016 by Jeff C   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A.  It is a crossing watchman's lantern with two red lens to stop vehicular traffic and hides the red lens to train so it is not taken as a stop signal. I have one just like it and replaced some of the screws with brass ones. Mine is not marked with a RR either but was purchased at an auction where a lot of Reading items are sold and now display it with a clear P&R globe. Adlake makes a similar one with blinders attached to a shorty. Posted Thursday, September 29, 2016 by dc

A. There are many lens available on ebay, those broken off screws can be drilled out,holes rethreaded and new screws applied.If any of the nuts that the screws are in are missing a new one can be soldered in place. Posted Friday, September 30, 2016 by dc

 Q3210 Lantern Bail  I have a K&IT RR lantern that I picked up 20 years ago of all places, Kentucky and I never paid much attention to it until recently. This has a bail that is extended down one side so the the bail is locked in the vertical position all the time. I've never noticed this style on any other lamp and want to know if there are others like this. It looks like it was factory made. It is on a Dietz frame. Any help is welcome!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, September 25, 2016 by BN   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Probably done by a railroader himself to lock the bail in place. I've seen quite a few lanterns with the bail modified like this. Posted Sunday, September 25, 2016 by BobF

 Q3209 Adlake fount, burner and Chimney  I have acquired an Adlake fount, burner and glass chimney. Can you please tell me what its application was? The burner is marked 'ADLAKE' TRADE MARK LAMP MFG & RLY SUPPLIES LTD LONDON. The fount is 16cm in diameter, capacity about a litre. The burner is very small, obviously intended for very long duration burn. I don't think the light output would have been sufficient for railway use. Perhaps it was a ship's binnacle compass light.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, September 23, 2016 by Paul   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. This fount and burner is from a semaphore signal lamp, the fount is probably from an earlier (pre 1920) cylindrical type lamp case which has been "modernised" by fitting an Adlake burner. These lamps were designed to burn for a week between servicing. The Lamp Manufacturing & Railway Supply Co. were the leading suppliers of signal lamps in Britain and supplied "Adlake" patented material under license. Posted Wednesday, September 28, 2016 by JAJ

 Q3203 Strange A&W 300 Frame  Anyone ever seen an Adlake 300 frame like this? It's marked for the SP and it's shorter then the standard 300. Base is smaller, tank is smaller and the cup isn't as deep. Also comes with a rigid bail. Does not appear to be a shop made piece but something factory made. Construction looks too clean for someone on the railroad to have made. Also note the comparison of the SP Short 300 to a standard 300 frame marked for the Pennsy prior to restoration. If anyone has seen one of these, can you tell me how common or rare they are?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, September 19, 2016 by lionel1225   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Some speculation: the fixed handle looks to be fiber or another electric insulating material, suggesting use on electrified railroad, where lower overall height would also be desirable. The smaller fuel capacity would be reasonable for commuter operations. SP ran electrified commuter lines in southern California (and possibly elsewhere, on a smaller scale) until at least 1941 (see link) and that timing I think is consistent with Model 300 production. Link 1  Posted Wednesday, September 21, 2016 by RJMc

A. I was thinking along the same lines as RJMc. I don't know anything about SP operations and didn't know that they even had electric operations, but it is almost identical to a Long Island RR lantern that I had. The LIRR definitely has electric operations! JN Posted Thursday, September 22, 2016 by JN

A. Bail is made of steel or aluminum, not an insulated material. (My Lantern) Posted Wednesday, September 28, 2016 by MJC

 Q3201 Lamp Restoration  I really enjoy your website! We just bought a house with some outdoor lanterns that have been switched to electric. In their condition, I am afraid to use them. I would like to completely strip them down and then probably repaint them black. First of all, I do not know what they are made of, and I would like to use the lye method. Secondly, the lantern on the post appears to have duct tape around the bottom and then been painted over. Do you have any advice for cleaning? Thank you!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, September 15, 2016 by LD   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Lye is problematic considering they have been electrified and dangerous too unless your careful. I'd just go with paint stripper and see what condition the metal is underneath. If its clean and rust free you can just repaint.  Posted Friday, September 16, 2016 by LF

 Q3198 Lamp Info Needed  I have been looking everywhere for info on a Boesch Head-light Co., San Francisco, CA headlight. I don’t know anything about it. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, September 3, 2016 by Cindy   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A.  See Q 2599 and Q 1003 in the Archives for more information on Boesch Lamp Company. It is hard to tell what size this headlamp is from the photo. If it is only 12 to 16 inches tall then it probably is not a railroad headlamp. Boesch made or sold headlamps for other kinds of machinery like steam tractors and vehicles. Boesch closed down around 1920 and some motor vehicles were still using kerosene head and taillights then.  Posted Tuesday, September 6, 2016 by KM

 Q3196 A&W Logo Change  What year did A&W (Adams & Westlake) change from the hex logo to the Adlake logo? Thanks.  Posted Wednesday, August 24, 2016 by Tim C.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Interesting question. The "classic" original hex mark seems to have been dropped about 1904. Somewhere in the mid to late 1910's it seems to have reprised, but with a cruder version for only a short time. The original hex mark is distinct, complete and very readable, while the later crude one is only a partial stamp. The later 1910's partial hex marking seems to be stamped "cockeyed" at about the 7 o'clock position. I know over the years that the hex stamp dating has been a recurring question with fellow collectors. I settled on the 1904 original changeover years ago based on a very nice A&W non-hex key being marked for a RR that was reorganized in 1904 with a totally new name/initials. On the other hand I have a later crude 7 o'clock hex key marked for an interurban that reorganized with a totally new name/initials in 1916, so obviously that hex logo version was reused somewhere by 1916 or later. Posted Friday, August 26, 2016 by BobF

A. Sorry to pile on. Anyone have any concrete data on when the A&W "five line" or Philadelphia oval was used? Posted Saturday, August 27, 2016 by JW

A. Just to clarify....I was referring to switch keys in my earlier answer. I believe the hex logo still continued to be used on locks till I don't know when, maybe the 1920's. Also consider that no doubt key blanks were made and probably thrown into a bin. I'd assume that the blanks probably had the makers logo stamped on them from the beginning, the RR initials stamped later when they were actually used to fill an order. Therefore a hex key could theoretically could be a "new" key delivered to a RR after A&W no longer used the hex on new blanks and as a result a RR that didn't exist in 1904 (or so) could have a hex key marked for them. When a new order came in I would think that a worker scooped out the correct blank, cut the bit and the RR mark was stamped. It would make sense that the blanks could come out at random in the scoop and some older ones (hex) still used until they were all gone. Posted Sunday, August 28, 2016 by BobF

A. Hi BobF - Can you post a photo of the two different hex logos as you understand them -- the classic and the crude? Thanks.` Posted Tuesday, August 30, 2016 by Robb M

A. I've never posted a photo to this site. Took a good shot showing "classic" and cruder later hex keys. I need a little help on the technical side to post the photo. For what it's worth, I'd also describe the "classic" hex as more stretched out, while the cruder later version is more scrunched together. Posted Thursday, September 1, 2016 by BobF

A. To post a photo to this site, just send it as an attachment in an email to this website using the same email address as when you send a question. We don't allow direct posting in order to save bandwidth (all images are resized) and also to prevent spamming. Posted Friday, September 2, 2016 by Web Editor

A. Regarding the A&W logo change remarks, here is an example of what Bob F. talked about when he speculates that certain parts and key blanks may have had the current A&W trademarks stamped on them at the time of manufacture, but years or decades may have passed before these parts ever saw the light of day when finally removed from the bottoms of various parts bins and made into a finished key or lock. This example has 2 distinct trademarks from 2 very different eras. Being that the C&IMRR was very small and their key bit was quite complicated, I would speculate that with such small and infrequent key orders, that the basic key blanks stayed in the bins until an order large enough cleaned it out to the bottom. Otherwise,later production blanks would get dumped on top of the old stock. Why this key got 2 trademark stamps is of interest, but they are legit. Behind the serial number,one can see the mold or possible blank casting number that normally is removed or unreadable. Maybe my first sentence will prove to wrong? Comments anyone?  Link 1  Posted Saturday, September 3, 2016 by DJB

A. Here's more info on the A&W Hex logo question. The attached image shows four keys. The two keys at left show what I call the classic A&W hex. The two on the right, the later cruder version stamped at 7 o'clock. Note how the the logo's at left are a bit more stretched and very readable, while the two at right are partial and a bit 'scrunched'. One at right is from the Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee, which reorganized from the Chicago & Milwaukee Electric Ry in 1916. I also once had a P&WV hex at 7 o'clock key. The P&WV reorganized from the Wabash Pittsburgh Terminal Ry in 1916 or 1917. Obviously, these are not from original hex logo period, which I believe stopped about 1904. In my collection I have a Quincy Carrollton & St Louis Ry key with the A&W Co Chicago mark....without the hex and with the large 'S' on the reverse side. This RR was reorganized in 1904 from the Litchfield Carrollton & Western Ry, so I figured the changeover from the hex to just A&W Co Chicago would seem to have occurred on new key blanks by then (1904). I Hope this helps. Link 1  Posted Wednesday, September 7, 2016 by Bobontroy

A. One more clarification. This goes to show that your should look things up (again) and not rely on memory alone. The QC&StL Ry was incorporated in 1898 and operated the former Litchfield Carrollton & Western Ry that it did not technically have title to, until 1904 when the property was acquired by the Chicago & Alton. This suggests that sometime between 1898 and 1904, the hex logo was dropped and key blanks were stamped only A&W CO Chicago, without the hex. Another key in my collection is an II&MRY, also marked with the A&W CO Chicago and large 'S' stamp on the reverse. The Illinois Iowa & Minnesota started up in about 1905-6, once again suggesting that the hex was no longer used on new keys by that time. I can probably add more, but I think this suggests that very early in the 20th century ( I arbitrarily use 1904) the hex logo was dropped on new keys. Posted Friday, September 9, 2016 by BobF

 Q3194 Lantern Info Needed  Can you tell me anything about this RR Lantern?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, August 20, 2016 by DCP   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Appears to be a German Rail Road lantern. Probably post WWII unless marked with Deutsche Reichsbahn insignia. See Link 1 Link 1  Posted Sunday, August 21, 2016 by JS

 Q3193 RR Lantern Handles  Here are pictures of various RR lanterns. Why do the handles of all of these (originally I thought this was an individual defect or damage) have an odd 'bend' in the handle? Do you know what its purpose is?  [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, August 17, 2016 by Chris W   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I have lanterns like that too. J bet if you grip them your thumb will end up there. Probably gives better control when swinging. Posted Thursday, August 18, 2016 by JN

A. agree with jn, it is for your thumb, most common on dietz vestas. Posted Thursday, August 18, 2016 by dc

A. The bail (handle) on that lantern in the center was originally on a Dietz Vesta. The thumb notch is typical of Dietz Vesta, even the bends at the end where it is attatched is typical. Posted Thursday, August 18, 2016 by dc

A. This ergonomic bail was added to the Dietz Vesta in the early 30's as near as I can place it at least to 1933 or earlier? It was designed to fit the hand (gloved works best) for a better grip. The thumb rests in the "notch" and the fingers in the bend just below that. These were used not only on the Dietz Vesta but also on the Dietz No.999 Railroad lantern and on the Dietz 8-Day lanterns both with square and round fount versions. Posted Friday, August 19, 2016 by W.M.

 Q3192 'The Handlan' Lantern  Does anyone know approximately how old this lantern is or have the patent dates for it? Can't find the patent dates anywhere, think they must've been on the fount, which is missing. Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, August 9, 2016 by KO   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. As a starting point, this lantern appears to be very close to the Handlan No. 177 lantern pictured in the 1918 catalog pages reproduced in the Archives section of this RRiana site (See Link). Handlan at that time was heavily promoting "Electrically Welded...Constructed Entirely Without the Use of Solder." Maybe WW I restrictions on use of lead and tin encouraged that(?).  Link 1  Posted Friday, August 12, 2016 by RJMc

A. Thanks for the link and general idea, though this lantern has all soldered joints.  Posted Saturday, August 13, 2016 by KHO

A. From what I can see of the very top it appears to be a Handlan Buck "The Handlan". I figure the firm switched from marking Handlan Buck to just Handlan somewhere around 1913-1915 or so. I would guess your lantern is from around 1906-1913, give or take. This style looks to have been an adaptation to compete the the TL Moore smaller lighter weight lantern. It's obviously a little earlier what with the soldered joints and the leaf thumblatch. Posted Sunday, August 14, 2016 by BobF

 Q3190 What Type of Lamp?  Hello, Can you tell me what type a lamp this is? Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, August 3, 2016 by Patrick   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. It's obviously unusual, but as nobody else has replied, here's a suggestion from England. I have a lamp of basically similar type, though rather more ornate. It's slightly larger than a standard office lamp but, like your example, has a deep ruby/red outer glass, which would make it no good for lighting purposes. My lamp is of railway origin- it bears a soldered-on brass plate marked "Great Eastern Railway, District Inspector's Office, Liverpool St. No.27", Liverpool Street being one of the main London rail termini. It's purpose puzzled me for a long time, until a specialist lamp collector told me that it's not for lighting purposes, it's an office heater.  Posted Monday, August 8, 2016 by JAJ

A.  The lamp is a Kosmos lamp intended as an ‘’insert pot’‘ for a decorated holder. There is no collar to indicate the font could have been used in a gimbal mount for mobile use in a rail car. The weight of the red glass shade and lack of a weighted font would defeat use in a gimbal in any case. Furthermore, there is no indication of adaptation for a wall mount. Thus the identification of this as a ‘’partial lamp’‘ or pot insert seems most likely, which makes identification as a lamp for railroad lamp quite difficult. The wick winder knob should have some indicia which would help identify the manufacturer (almost certainly European) but the knob was not shown in the photo. For more information on Kosmos lamps, go here > http://www.milesstair.com/KOSMOS-BRENNER_LAMPS_&_WICKS.html Miles Stair The Wick Shoppe  Link 1  Posted Wednesday, August 10, 2016 by Miles

 Q3188 Blenko Railroad Lantern Globes  Are the Blenko globes old stock as some people say or are they newly made globes in old patterns?  Posted Sunday, July 31, 2016 by RP   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Blenko has been in business since 1893. They have an online site at www.blenko.com Still in business so you be the judge. Don't see where they are presently making RR globes. Posted Sunday, July 31, 2016 by dc

A. OK -some seller claims his or her globe is made by Blenko. The question that needs to be asked is what proof is there? From a quick reading about Blenko marks, most of their glass went out with a paper or foil Blenko sticker attached. Some high end pieces had an etched or cast "signature". On that un-named but ever popular auction site, a seller has a blue AT & SF cast blue globe and claims it came from the Blenko warehouse. But no Blenko sticker or markings are on the globe. Globe is about 6 inches tall and the glass is very thick. "AT & SF RR" is cast in an oval panel and the letters are pretty crude looking, IMO. Blenko makes higher end glass pieces - would they stoop to make junky looking railroad lantern globes? Links are to web sites relating to identifying Blenko glass.  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Monday, August 1, 2016 by JEM

A. I forgot to add that the seller of the blue globe I mentioned above claims it was made around 15 years ago.  Posted Monday, August 1, 2016 by JEM

A. Went to the Blenko site and clicked "contact us" asked if they are presently making or have ever made railroad lantern globes with embossed lettering. Awaiting reply. Will post. dc  Posted Monday, August 1, 2016 by dc

A. Contacted Blenco on Aug.1, said they would respond within 72 hrs. Now Aug.6 No response. Posted Saturday, August 6, 2016 by dc

A. What I find extremely curious about the "Blenko" globe is that no one in any publication since I got into organized collecting in the early 1970's has ever listed Blenko as a globe maker. Consider that tall globe lantern production other than some Dietz models seems to have ceased in the 1930's. There would still no doubt be a need for replacement parts like globes for some time after that. By the 1940's or certainly the 1950's I can't imagine anything other than unmarked replacement globes being produced for a tall globe lantern, certainly nothing with cast lettering. How would one expect a company like Blenko to jump into a dead (other than collectors) market and develop molds, etc. for production after the railroad market disappeared? I've looked at that blue cast AT&SF globe on the unnamed site and the production quality appears to be terrible with ridiculously thick glass and generally poor overall standards.  Posted Saturday, August 6, 2016 by BobF

 Q3187 Brill Lamp  I purchased this brass oil lamp at an estate sale and it has a 'plate'with J. G. BRILL COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA on it. I understand they made trolley cars, buses, etc. Is this considered a railroad lamp and also where and how was it used?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, July 24, 2016 by Dorothy   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Just looking at the photo, the base does have an old look, but the wick raiser and globe look cheaply made. And I am very wary of any RR related items having a soldered-on tag. That is usually the calling card of Asian made fantasy items. On the plus side, I've never come across this before, and as we all know they don't turn out fake items in the dozens, its more like 12,000. A closer photo of the tag mighty help. Posted Tuesday, July 26, 2016 by DA

A. Some context: the electric trolley car and the electric light bulb came on the commercial scene at much the same time, becoming popular around 1890. Trolley cars, with their guaranteed source of electricity, got electric lighting very early on and therefore did not need kerosene lamps. But horse cars and cable cars did not have electrical supplies, and horsecars were not finally eliminated in New York City until 1917 (see link). Brill sold both horse cars and cable cars, so there is some possible application for inside illumination there. The unusual shape of the fount might argue for being contained in a wide but shallow box, for lighting a sign, for example. And that use might be part of car 'standard equipment' which might get delivered with, and stay with, a car, unlike interior lamps that probably got worn out and replaced often.  Link 1  Posted Tuesday, July 26, 2016 by RJMc

A. Seems rather fragile to be used in any means of conveyance. That chimney could easily be tipped over and come out of its mounting. Looks to be for indoor use. Posted Tuesday, July 26, 2016 by dc

A. I agree that it looks delicate, but Nickel Plate Road wooden cabooses (for example) used very similar lamps in marker boxes on each side of cupolas, possibly into the 1960's. The lamp was inserted into the box from inside the cupola. Another possibility to consider: Brill was in business from the 1860's; it might have been used at the Brill plant. Where was it found? Posted Tuesday, July 26, 2016 by RJMc

A. The previous owner kept a file card on each of her oil lamps. This lamp was purchased at the Arlington Race Track Antique Show on April 1, 1977 from a person from Pittsburgh, PA. Brill Company was at Philadelphia, PA. I don't believe the chimney is original. Here's a closeup of the tag. Link 1  Posted Tuesday, July 26, 2016 by Dorothy

A. Just brainstorming - The applied label could well have been attached by the Brill company to this lamp (and others) that they purchased for use. Certainly they had offices that would need light fixtures. ALSO - I wonder if the burner/chimney is the original? wondering if this pot was made to fit inside a larger lamp similar to a switch lamp situation ?  Posted Monday, August 22, 2016 by JS

A. Dear Dorothy; My mother bought a similar oil lamp with the Brill nameplate years ago in which I inherited. I believe your lamp bottom and my bottom are original. The J G Brill Co started in 1868 building street and railroad cars and this was probably an accessory for the conductor during night trips or used by passengers in sleeping quarters. Your burner is definitely incorrect. My burner was made by Holmes Booth and Haydens with a patent date of Sept 19 1865 which is embossed on the knob and would have been available to Brill in 1868. The burner (I've been told) uses a Collins "Bullet" Chimney from the same era which I'm still looking for. I have seen the burners on line. Hope this helps.. Posted Saturday, November 24, 2018 by Charlie