Question & Answer Board

 Q3186 French Railway Lantern  Bonjour. We bought a copper lantern in a French Online Buy & Sell. The lantern is very solid and heavy and looks very old but after reading so much about fakes we are now not sure. It is supposed to have been an SNCF (the French Railway started in 1827), lantern. However it has no makers marks or date. One of the brass bars at the front of the lantern is missing. The red glass looks slightly too new to be original but we are only guessing. It is a lovely thing but we want to be sure before we sell it that it is not a fake. We understand that you may not be able to help us as it is French, but it is nearly impossible to find any information in France. Kind regards,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, July 24, 2016 by Chris & Susan   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. It is indeed a handsome lamp, but doubt that is SNCF or even railway/railroad. In fact, it dosn't look particularly French! (Most French lamps/lanterns have a characteristic spun copper chimney cap, unlike this one.) The SNCF is the French National Railway, formed when the railways were nationalised in 1938, SNCF lamps are invariably marked. Your lamp looks more like a marine navigation lantern. Posted Tuesday, July 26, 2016 by JAJ

 Q3185 Lantern Info Needed  I recently purchased my first kerosene lantern and am working on making it functional. I was on lanternet reading up on how to identify the age of a Dietz lantern but I’m not seeing the normal identifying marks. I know it’s a Dietz D-Lite No. 2 with a red globe that has Loc Nob on the globe. The globe tilts out. The etching on the right of the air tube is fairly clear. But I can’t find an 'M' or 'S' followed by month and year. Here’s best what I can make out. Each group is on separate line below. There’s certainly a chance that I have a digit or 2 off. 8911 or 6911 1795542 1892292 D101113 2062051 078125 45 Thanks, any help or even a recommendation on a forum about these lanterns would be appreciated.  Posted Friday, July 22, 2016 by Dan D   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The M or S followed by a date were only stamped on Dietz Vesta Rail Road Lanterns. Your D-lite with a red globe was probably used as a warning lantern by a construction company or utility company on the roads. With a clear globe it would be a typical barn type lantern. Posted Sunday, July 24, 2016 by GS

A. As noted - the D-Lite is a common non-railroad "barn" style tubular lantern, and with a red globe most likely used in a hazard warning capacity. W.T. Kirkman's web site covers most or all Dietz lanterns - look for the D-Lite under cold blast lanterns -see link below. More info about the D-Lite is found using the next link.  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Sunday, July 24, 2016 by JEM

A. The numbers stamped on the air tube of the streamlined D-Lites are the actual patent numbers themselves rather than the usual Patent dates stamped on the non-streamlined models and should read as follows: Patented 1795542 1892292 D101113 2062051 2078125 S-?-? (You fill in the ?'s) There should be no "M" the main plant closed in 1931 and production consolidated with the Syracuse plant "S" before the Streamlined models were introduced. Sometimes these stampings are tweaked and obliterated during the stamping process with all the beading in the tubes or filled in during painting and are difficult to read. My recommendation for a forum for you would be W.T. Kirkmans' "Tubular Lantern Collectors"group on facebook.  Posted Friday, August 19, 2016 by W.M.

 Q3184 Hole in the Bottom  I have noticed on some models of lanterns that there is a hole in the bottom of the lantern while others don't have it. Is there a significance to the hole or is it something someone added for the purpose of converting it to electric? Thanks for any replies.  Posted Monday, July 18, 2016 by dolgor   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I believe in most cases it was added as a drain for any rain water that may have gotten in. Lanterns are sometimes found where the fount is rusted in so badly it is very difficult to remove. Another use is in the lantern shop it could be pushed down over a dowel in the bench to remove fount. Posted Monday, July 18, 2016 by dc

A. Thinking more of daily use, the bottom hole provides an exit for any spilled kerosene if the fount is refilled still in the lantern. Also as mentioned, the hole provides a way to push out the fount to get it out for refilling; the smooth round surfaces of the fount and lantern body fit tightly together and tend to get wedged when either one gets slightly out-of-round or picks up some dirt. And the fine brass threads on the burner and the fairly thin stamped metal burner parts aren't made for pulling and hauling the fount out, against a tightly wedged fit. The surfaces can also form an air seal, particularly when wet with kerosene, and the bottom hole allows air access to break any vacuum formed when trying to pull the fount out of the lantern base.  Posted Wednesday, July 20, 2016 by RJMc

A. The Adams & Westlake Company began putting drain holes in the bottom of its ADLAKE KERO models in the 1950's. KERO models with drain holes made prior to that time would have been added outside the factory. Posted Thursday, July 21, 2016 by JH

 Q3183 Milwaukee Lantern Questions  I've got a couple questions about this lantern that I bought last week and got cleaned up. First off, is the chain on the bail an actual Milwaukee Road modification? If so, does anyone know what it was used for? I'm going to be using this while conducting on an 1880 NG Milwaukee Road wood caboose so I want to keep it as historically correct for the Milwaukee Road as possible. Figured it was not an original railroad modification, but looking through pictures of Milwaukee Road lanterns, I saw one other lantern with such a chain, which made me curious. And the last thing: is this the correct bottom for this lantern? I've never seen an Adlake Beehive with this style of bottom clip stopper. Thanks,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, July 17, 2016 by K.H.O.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. You should do a half turn and take (and post) a photo showing it from that angle. The part I believe you're asking about doesn't show from the photo. It looks like the proper bell bottom, as it is a later model (1910 and later era). The oil font looks to be missing. Posted Tuesday, July 19, 2016 by BobF

A. Sorry about that. Thought I had attached another picture showing closer detail of the bell bottom clasp stopper. All the other Adlakes of this model I have seen have a wire stopper instead of having a buldge stamped into the sheet metal. With this considered, is this still the right bell bottom? Yes it is a later model, it has pat. May 1908 stamped (not embossed like the other patent, May 1985) on the lid. You're right about the fount, it was cut out as somewhere down the line it was electrified. In this picture you can see the fount that I fabricated for it. If anyone out there has any details or even theories about the chain, I'd love to hear them. In my railroading experience with kerosene lanterns I've never thought, 'hey, a chain on the bail would be nice now', though I don't want to speculate before I go cutting off a piece of Milwaukee Road history. Thanks.  Link 1  Posted Friday, July 22, 2016 by KHO

A. Just realized I wrote Patent May 1985-meant Patent May 1895. Posted Friday, July 22, 2016 by K.H.O.

A. Thanks for the second photo. That is how Adlake made the clasp/stopper on later bell bottom lanterns. The earlier models had the brass wire stopper. You have the correct bottom for the lantern. As to the chain, i can't figure out why anyone on the RR would have put it there. I suspect it was added later after leaving the RR. Posted Friday, July 22, 2016 by BobF

A. I can see maybe using that chain to hang the lantern from a handrail, say on the back of a caboose, or on the back of a freight car where a light was required when backing up a cut of cars at night, where there was no provision to secure the lantern, particularly over grade crossings. Since the handrails are closed and fastened at both ends, there is no way to put the bail over the rail. Either a hook or some kind of clip would be needed to close up the length of chain around some such support. Is the top of the bail worn, or are there other impact marks on the body, consistent with swinging from the chain? My recollection is that rule books showed the light should have been red (red globe, for warning) if used as a trailing marker, but white (clear globe, for both illumination and warning) if used with the blind end leading. Posted Saturday, July 23, 2016 by RJMc

A. Regardless of any previous use cannot see dragging that chain around while working as a conductor. Save the chain if you think it is of any historical significance. Posted Sunday, July 24, 2016 by dc

A. I agree with DC. That chain poses an actual hazard to safety. It's at best a distraction and could get caught in or on something causing you to drop the lantern or lose your balance; very dangerous! On an actual revenue operating railroad, an official would see that chain and order you to remove it and maybe write you up for a safety violation. -- I once had to explain to a very tearful switchman's wife why her husband didn't wear his wedding ring to work; ...it could cost him his LIFE!! Jewelry frequently got caught on the darnedest pieces of equipment, and often tearing the owner's finger or whole hand off in the process!! I was in the Council Bluffs yard office one night when we got a call from the Train Master letting us know that one of the clerks we all knew at the Omaha Piggy Back loading ramp had been rushed to the hospital. His glove had gotten caught while loading a trailer and it pulled (pulled, not cut) his thumb right off his hand! They found the glove with his thumb still in it, but couldn't reattach it. Dangerous business, railroading. -- That chain in the question was most likely added by a post railroad owner to hang it up by. Do take it off for safety sake. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Sunday, July 24, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Interesting theory about hanging it off of a handrail; we always hang our lanterns from the air dump pipe on our coaches (though I likely won't do that with this lantern as I'm not going to risk damages to the lantern from it jarring around in an emergency-application stop since it's much more fragile than our electric lanterns). As for the safety hazard, I wasn't going to keep the chain dangling. I know that would prove dangerous. For now, I clipped the loose chain end to the other side of the bail. Will probably end up lightly heating up the chain link on the bail and carefully bending the chain link appart to get it off without wrecking the chain. Thanks for the concerns and comments, KHO  Posted Monday, July 25, 2016 by K.H.O.

 Q3181 What Brand and Size Burner?  I just recently purchased a C.P.R. Lantern that someone has converted to and electric light bulb and I would like to restore it back to the original burner and fount if I could. On the bottom of the lantern it has: Adlake - Kero 4 - 51. On the top it has CPR Hiram L. Piper Co Ltd. Can you tell me what style and size of fount and burner would fit this? I am totally new to this and never have had anything to do with lanterns. Thank you for any help.  Posted Sunday, July 17, 2016 by dolgor   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Thank you for the quick reply. Posted Sunday, July 17, 2016 by Q3181

A. It would be either an Adlake #300 font and burner or an Adlake #400 font and burner. The difference is that a #300 takes a 5/8" wide wick, while the #400 takes a 7/8" wide wick. The #300 font and burner are still produced by Adlake, while the #400 is no longer produced. Both types can be found for sale on eBay. Posted Sunday, July 17, 2016 by BobF

 Q3180 C&EI Dressel Lantern  I recently purchased a Dressel kero lantern, stamped C&EI RR. Looking through your lantern survey, I noticed that C&EI is not listed in your known Dressel railroad list. The lantern is painted gray and it has the patent number stamped in the bottom, like the war time Dressel lanterns. Therefore, gray paint could be correct. The letters on the shade are 1/4 in. high and appear to be very uniformly spaced and following the curve of the shade, not like individual letters, stamped with single letter stamps. The red globe is etched with C&E.I. R.R., in 3/8 in. letters and underneath SAFETY FIRST, in 1/4 in. letters. The lantern's gray paint is uniform semi-gloss and almost pristine condition, except for the bale, which is worn from handling/hanging. The inside of the chimney and font holder is painted in the same paint. If you think this lantern is authentic, then you might want to add it to your Dressel lantern survey. If you think it's not authentic, then please share your thoughts with me. It's a beautiful lantern. If it's a fake, someone went to a lot of trouble and expense, to create it.Let me know what you think. Thank you,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, July 12, 2016 by Lance B   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. As far as we know, this lantern model has not been faked or reproduced, so your lantern is very likely the real deal. The C&EI marking has been added to the Dressel short globe lantern page. Thanks for the new marking. Link 1  Posted Tuesday, July 12, 2016 by Web Editor

A. I've had several just like yours. It's legit. Posted Tuesday, July 12, 2016 by BobF

 Q3174 Disposing of Lye Solution  I recently began using the 'Lye Solution' (approximately 16oz to 5 gallons of water) mentioned in the 'Lantern Restoration Page' [see link] section of your website to clean my lanterns and lamps. My concern at this point is how to best dispose of the lye solution when I am done using it. I live in a rural area with septic systems, so I'm not inclined to pour it down the drain. I have done some reading about using vinegar, but that appears to be more for chemist, not for novice. I was told long ago that 'the solution to pollution is dilution'. Would I be better of just sticking a garden hose in the bucket and letting it run until the lye solution is diluted and dissipated? If so how far from plants, leach fields, trees etc. should I do this? Thanks for your help.  Posted Thursday, June 30, 2016 by Stuart S.  Link 1     Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Google "lye solution disposal" and take your pick. There are several trains of thought that conflict with each other. -Do NOT- put it down the sink, even if diluted as you'll kill the bacteria in your septic tank and then need to pump it out. It would take a huge amount of vinegar to neutralize what you have, as vinegar is only 5% acid. Traditionally, very dilute lye wont hurt vegetation, ..but that might be illegal (check local laws and EPA, etc. ...and don't tell the neighbors) Posted Saturday, July 2, 2016 by Joe Blo

A. People use to process lye by leaching water through wood ashes from the fire place shoveled into a V-shaped trough and collecting what worked its way through so is a fairly natural entity. A good dilution with water should easily suffice. It's really not a big deal! Posted Tuesday, July 5, 2016 by TE

A. I think some facts might help this discussion. Putting one pound of lye (almost pure sodium hydroxide) into 40 pounds of water (5 gallons) makes only a 3% (three percent) by weight solution. Most of the MSDS sheets with their very dire (and very serious, and merited) warnings refer to 50% (FIFTY percent)solutions, which are almost soupy and similar to many of the very strong drain cleaners. But you would have to put 19 more pounds of sodium hydroxide into your bucket to get up to that strength. That said, your 3% solution still presents three issues: (1) it is corrosive; (2) it's chemical constituents don't go away (particularly the sodium), and (3) it may contain heavy metals and other compounds leached off of your lantern or other metal items that you cleaned. Dealing with these in turn. (1) The corrosiveness is due to the hydroxide. That can be neutralized by any acid and the hydroxide part then turns into just water. Vinegar is actually a pretty good choice. Since most (cheap) vinegar is 5%, as mentioned above, for a couple of dollars two gallons or so of cheap (5%) vinegar, mixed slowly with your 5 gallons of 3% hydroxide, will neutralize most or all of the hydroxide into sodium acetate and make the solution only very slighty corrosive, if at all. Another very interesting solution is (TAKE YOUR BUCKET OUTSIDE!) and put 2 or 3 pounds of dry ice into it, a little at a time. (See Link) Sodium hydroxide gobbles up the carbon dioxide from the dry ice. Although this makes lots of fog, that looks like smoke, it is really very harmless. After all the bubbling and fog stops and all the dry ice has evaporated, you will have a solution of sodium carbonate (washing soda)which is much less corrosive. As to part (2), the sodium component will still be in either solution from above. But it is no better, or worse, than the sodium component in regular rock salt or table salt, and you only started with one pound to begin with, so you really don't have a whole lot to deal with. As to harming plants or leach fields, just picture putting out one pound of rock salt, say for de-icing, and you should have a good picture of the consequences. As to Point 3 above, there are probably some heavy metals in the solution, but not a whole lot of them unless you have really done a huge volume of cleaning. Just spreading the solution out over some open ground should dissipate any issues from that; alternatively you can turn it in if there is a community 'haz-mat collection day'. But after any of these operations, it doesnn't hurt to get rid of most of the water. In fact, one pretty good way to deal with the whole situation is just take your original 5 gallons and boil most or all of the water back out of it, leaving mostly the original 1 pound or so of sodium hydroxide (mostly unchanged) and you can use it again next time.  Link 1  Posted Friday, July 8, 2016 by RJMc

 Q3173 Long Island Globe?  I have had a red cast 5 3/8 globe that is marked 'LIR' in my collection for over 25 years. I was told that it is for the Long Island RR. I would like to find out if it is indeed a LIRR globe. It was made by Kopp, and is in a square end panel. Any help is welcome! Thanks,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, June 28, 2016 by RLN   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The Key Lock and Lantern RR globe survey lists a clear cast LIR globe under Long Island RR. Your red cast would be a new addition to their list. Link 1  Posted Wednesday, June 29, 2016 by DA

 Q3171 EL 'Little Wizard' Lanterns  I recall personally seeing, and also in photos, the Erie Lackawanna using what appear to be Dietz Little Wizard lanterns, blue with a red globe, as markers at the ends of cabooses on through trains. I have inquired at numerous train shows, only to get shrugs. Can you please shed light on what type of lanterns these were, how and when they were used? Thanks much!  Posted Sunday, June 26, 2016 by TD   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The last DL&W lanterns were Dietz 999 models painted in the typical Dietz blue of that era. Perhaps those were what you remember seeing. The EL used Dressel and Adake Kero lanterns into the 1970's. The local station agent had to have a red and clear on hand and they were constantly being stolen by train crews and/or signalmen stopping after hours to use the station's phone. Never heard of Little Wizard usage on EL trains. Posted Monday, June 27, 2016 by JFR

A. In the early 1970's I saw an EL train on the Bloom with a kero hanging as a marker. A short while later I saw another train with a blue finish hardware style lantern on the rear. I suppose as the genuine item disappeared, the would indeed have improvise. It did happen. Posted Sunday, December 17, 2017 by shvlhdbob

 Q3168 Presentation Lantern Globes  I have seen many presentation lanterns. Some globes have a wreath around the person's name on globe. Did this mean something special like a retirement? Or did the railroad present these lanterns the family of a railroader that died on the job? Any information would be great! Thank you!  Posted Thursday, June 16, 2016 by PRR Girl   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. It's my understanding that these "presentation" lanterns were something that were ordered, the globe engraved locally, and then given to the person who was to be honored. The globes, clear, or 2-color, with wreaths, or without, etc or even more ornate, with locomotives, etc., were at the discretion of the party ordering the lamp, and having the work done. I'd say that in most cases, the lanterns were meant to be used, so they were mostly ordered while the recipient was still "on the job". I would think alot of conductors would have also just ordered one for themselves............. Posted Monday, June 20, 2016 by DA

A. Thank you! :) Posted Thursday, June 23, 2016 by PRR Girl

 Q3166 Armspear Burner FIt   I have a railroad lantern made by Armspear. It is a 1925 model but the burner is missing. I have the fount; the burner is a bayonet type. I was wondering if an Adlake 300 fount and burner would work? Any info is greatly appreciated.  Posted Monday, June 13, 2016 by Splumber   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The 300 will fit but it is not period correct. The 1925 had a burner that was marked 1925. Posted Tuesday, June 14, 2016 by Ex Sou Ry

 Q3163 Adlake # 199 Drawbridge Lamp  I am restoring a pair of Adlake No.199 Drawbridge Lamps. Unfortunately, these lamps did not come with any founts or Fresnel lenses. I was lucky enough to find two Fresnel lenses that fit the bottom rings perfectly. But I still have no information concerning the fount, or any manner in which the Fresnel lenses were held in place. Any pictures of the insides of complete lamps, or drawings, sketches, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, May 28, 2016 by Stuart   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q3162 New York US Supply Co Globe  I recently got this 6 inch barrel type globe and it has US Supply Co New York heavily embossed around the top. 2.5 top and 3.5 bottom opening. I did a lot of research using many different words and phrases yielding no results. Any information you could give me would be incredibly helpful. Thanks,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, May 28, 2016 by Jason M   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q3160 Adlake Trackside Lamp?  I found your great website whilst researching my recent purchase. I bought this lamp here in England. I believe it is a US railroad lamp possibly a permanent tunnel trackside lamp. The dealer I bought it from believed it was something to do with subway trains. It is about 16 in. square and 10 in. deep. It is marked as an Adlake non-sweating lamp and it has a bracket on the back for it to be mounted on. Internally an electric bulb holder has been fitted to one of the gas burners; this is a modern conversion for display purposes. The thing that attracted me most to it is the number, it just looks so cool!! The weird thing is that it is made from what looks to be an acrylic plastic, so would be a fairly modern item. Behind the plastic panel is evidence of a long gone glass panel. I would be very interested to find out more about it. Kind regards,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, May 24, 2016 by Paul G.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. To me it looks like a subway (underground) speed limit sign. The NYC subway has timing circuits to measure the speed that a train is doing along with illuminated speed signs similar to this one. I can't swear it is a subway sign, but it looks like some that I am familiar with on subway lines. Posted Tuesday, May 24, 2016 by JN

A. This is a British Railways speed restriction sign made, or at least marketed, in the UK by the Lamp Manufacturing & Railway Supply Co. of London, under license from Adlake. These lamps were used where temporary speed restrictions were in force due to track faults or after re ballasting etc. The lamp would have been oil-lit and there would originally have been a glass panel behind the plastic number panel, which is interchangeable and indicates miles per hour. These lamps were in use until about 30 years ago, when they were replaced by battery electric units. Posted Thursday, May 26, 2016 by JAJ

A. Thank you for your responses. I would have liked it to be a NYC subway lamp, but I feel confident JAJ is correct in his/her appraisal. There must have been thousands of these lamps in existence but they appear to be very rare nowadays. Posted Wednesday, June 22, 2016 by PG

 Q3159 Dietz #39 Marking  I recently found an old Dietz 39 railroad lantern with the following marks on the bell bottom: E.C.H.I. Has anyone had a lantern like this and do you know what company is represented by these letters? Had a drop in pot and a clear Dietz Vulcan globe.  Posted Friday, May 20, 2016 by BS   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The only thing I would find was this railroad name might be a short line out of the Chicago area. Hopefully this information helps.  Posted Thursday, May 26, 2016 by PRR Girl

 Q3155 Handlan Lantern Info Needed  I’ve been trying to find information on a Handlan Lamp. I can’t find any photos of similar lamps. On the top its says 'Handlan St. Louis USA.' It has two round Fresnel lenses. Can you tell me anything about this lamp or point me in a direction where I might find information? Thanks!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, May 15, 2016 by Kathy S.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The Links have some more info and examples of the metal globes with Fresnel bullseyes. Link 1  Link 2  Posted Monday, May 16, 2016 by RJMc

A. Lanterns with the larger fuel tank were typically used for highway warning service. There is a website dedicated to that kind of 'Traffic Gard' lanterns and they show 'special metal globes' such as yours (see Links), including some made by Handlan. They describe in some detail how widely interchangeable a lot of lantern parts were, so yours might have left the factory that way or could have been assembled or re-assembled by somebody in the field. Unfortunately, the Traffic Gard website doesn't explain how the metal globes might have been used(!!)  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Monday, May 16, 2016 by RJMc

 Q3154 Gillet & Forest Lantern  I was serving in the USCG and purchased what looked like a special lantern that had something to do with Great Lakes shipping at a flea market near Boyne City, MI back in the early 1970’s. I have always thought that it might be a ship, train, semaphore, and caboose or bridge lantern. It has just sat on a self all these years. I finally cleaned it up and after looking on-line found your Railroadiana website hoping you/associates and readers would be able to advise about its origin and uses as Gillet & Forest was discussed in Q1438. I would like to restore the lantern if possible. Do you have any information or references? The lantern has a plaque/plate which is an embossed brass rectangle 2 2/32 in. L x 1 in. W attached w/solder: 'GILLET & FOREST G. FOREST & C IE SUCC RS INC RS CONST RS B ÉTS S.C. D.C. 32. BOULEVARD HENRI IV. 32 PARIS'. The lantern is 20 in. tall, including the top hook, which is double riveted each side. It is a 6 1/2 in. x 6 1/2 in. oblong box with 7 in. x 7 in. rolled edges base. The cylindrical chimney is brass with a 7 in. x 7 in. bottom rolled edges and is 4 1/2 in. tall. Both left and right sides of box contain 2 rows of vent holes about 2 in. from the bottom. The lantern weighs 10.8 lbs. The back of the lantern has 2 ladder type hooks double riveted to a welded plate. The right hand side has a 2 1/2 in. L x 2 in, W hole that looks to have had a hinged door of sorts – maybe a lighter access? Inside on the left hand side is a 2/32 in. wide slot, 5 in. x 5 in. opening, which may have been used for holding something, and has springing latch. It looks to have been piped to a gas line into top left. The piping is copper and fittings are brass. The burner nozzle is brass, threaded on the inside and looks much like a propane torch nozzle. No flame spreader was included. The burner is attached with 3 rivet bolts with 8mm nuts to a raised triangle shape and mounted on 5 1/2in. x 5 in. slide-out plate. The lantern has a hinged door and brass hinged lens hole cover, which has a brass wire closure. The lens hole opening is 5 in. diameter, however no lens was included. Thanks for your review and assistance.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, May 10, 2016 by Michael S.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A.  I checked eBay France and found several other Gillet&Forest lanterns but none like this one so keep watching there I suspect that the gas burner is not original in this, does it look like it was added later? How does the gas line enter into the lantern, did someone drill a hole for it? There used to be an antique store nearby that specialized in Great Lakes maritime stuff and I stopped there frequently and never saw any Gillet&Forest lamps or any lamps that were connected to an outside source of gas. Carbide may have been a possibility.  Posted Thursday, May 12, 2016 by KM

A. Gillet & Forest were a well known lamp manufacturer and supplied many of the French railways. Your lamp appears to be a semaphore signal lamp interior, for fitting inside a weather-proof case. These lamps were usually oil-lit, but gas was sometimes used in urban areas where a "town" gas supply was available. Alternatively and as KM says, carbide is a possibility as it was widely used in French railway lamps of all kinds. How did it get to MI? A GI's souvenir perhaps? Posted Thursday, May 12, 2016 by JAJ

A. This sounds to me like it could have been a Canadian RR collector's piece - Canada is very French in some places. Given the way collections of lanterns and other relics travel around, it would not surprise me if this came from a predominantly French area of Canada that was either sold or traded and ended up in the US.  Posted Sunday, May 22, 2016 by JS

 Q3148 Carbide Lanterns  I own two carbide lanterns that were used on the B & O RR in the 1940’s. I would like some information on this type as I haven’t found it available.  Posted Monday, May 2, 2016 by Mrs. Smith   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Putting 'carbide' (without the quotes) in the 'word or phrase' search box on this site turns up prior Q's 2163, 1385, 1353 for just a start. You can also search on line for 'acetylene lantern' because the lump calcium carbide compound when wetted with water in the lantern produced acetylene gas, which was what was actually burning in the lantern. This is the same acetylene gas as commonly used in welding torches. Carbide is still available (but be careful with it!) either online in small quantities or at cave explorer supply stores. Posted Tuesday, May 3, 2016 by RJM

 Q3147 F.O. Dewey lanterns  Dewey made both mill and RR lanterns. Did they sometimes use a mill lantern frame with a RR globe? I have such with a P&R heavy globe. Have seen F.O. Dewey Co embossed in lip of globe but this one has * H&M *.  Posted Friday, April 29, 2016 by Don   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Very old P&R globes appear to be of the "fixed globe" type, that is to say they could have been plastered into a frame. But, of those that I have seen, they were used/found in an unmarked frame where the globe is removeable. The frame manufacturer is unknown as far as I know, but the frame is known to collectors. Ken Andrews clued me in on this one. The globes are more available than the frames sorry to say. If you have a pic of the globe and the markings it might be helpful.  Posted Wednesday, May 4, 2016 by G.S.

 Q3144 RR Candle Lantern  I'm looking for help with this mid 19th century candle lantern. It is a Parker's Patent 1853 Proctorsville, VT. Above the Parker's Patent name plate are the embossed letters ' B & S.L.R.R. '. I have never seen one of these Parker's candle lanterns with this marking before and the only thing I can think of is that it is a railroad marking. If this is true, it would certainly be the earliest railroad lantern that I have ever seen. The lantern measures 15 in. tall with the handle by 4 1/2 in. by 4 1/2 in. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Best regards,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, April 23, 2016 by Nick D.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. One immediate observation is that the "B.& S. L." lettering appears, from the uneven look of the spacing and the dishing of the flat sheet metal surface around each letter, to have been hand stamped using a hammer and individual letter stamps. Somewhat unfortunately, that could have been done by almost anyone, anywhere, and any time between 1853 and now, since 'vintage' older stamp sets are commonly available. The corrosion might provide some hints as to the age of the stamping; I would look at the back side of the stamped letters, where the metal was stretched rather than compressed, to possibly get a better indication of how long the stamping has existed in the metal. But this is unlikely to be definitive because so many people have gotten into 'chemical aging'.  Posted Sunday, April 24, 2016 by RJMc

A. I am about 99.999% certain that this lettering was done at the time of the lanterns production or very shortly thereafter. I have many years experience with primitive tin workmanship and am also very familiar with the processes that were used to produce this type of debossed lettering. The lantern would have to have been entirely dismantled to do this in any recent time without altering the shape and the very brittle solders that hold this lantern together. Furthermore this specific lantern has been in my mothers family for 3 generations and never left the home until I inherited it so that adds another large layer of doubt to the theory that this was done later. I do appreciate your thought process and understand why you came to that conclusion. I guess the better question to ask would have been what do these letters stand for? And, could it be the abbreviation for an early railroad that likely doesn't exist anymore? Posted Sunday, April 24, 2016 by ND

A. In the 1850s they were still hand cutting US Currency bills from the large printed sheets with scissors so I wouldn't expect the original stampings on this lantern to be perfect. They were probably done by hand and hammer during manufacture. Posted Monday, April 25, 2016 by LK

A. Interesting points about what the violence of hand stamping would do to the structure, had the lantern been assembled when stamped. It is interesting to compare the lettering on the manufacturer's label, also stamped but much more 'artfully' and likely with a single stamp or die for production quantities, rather than separate hand stamps. As to what 'B. & S. L. R. R." might stand for, the most likely lead so far is "Buffalo & State Line Rairoad (1849)) among the earliest predecessors of the New York Central (See link). B&SL became part of the broad gauge Buffalo and Erie before becoming part of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern. From Bill Edson's comprehensive 'Railroad Names' book, there was also the Black River & St. Lawrence, existing from 1869 to 1880, then abandoned. There is nothing in the 'interurban' section but there were few operating before 1900. Edson did not attempt to cover Canada, so there may be other possibilities there. Is any of this consistent with your family history? Link 1  Posted Monday, April 25, 2016 by RJMc

A. The Buffalo & State Line Railroad would make perfect sense as my mothers side of the family hails from Buffalo, New York. I know that my Great grandmothers brother worked for the Buffalo & Susquehanna Railroad during the early 1900s and according to my grandmother, his father was also a railroad man. Thank you for the information. Posted Tuesday, April 26, 2016 by ND

A. Another thought to add. The manufacturers name plate was more than likely stamped before it was welded onto the lantern. I have seen several of these Parker's Patent tin candle lanterns before but none that also had the Railroad debossed letters. I would venture to guess that the company that made these lanterns took a special order from this railroad and added the debossed letters requested by the railroad during manufacture. Just an idea that seems to make sense. Posted Tuesday, April 26, 2016 by ND

A. Very interesting on several fronts. The Buffalo and State Line was directly involved in the famous 'Erie Gauge War' as described in the Link above. For a while passengers had to walk or ride carriages for several miles, even in the dead of winter, to get across the gap between rail lines of different gauges at Erie, PA. And Buffalo and State Line went into operation in 1852 or so and only operated under the B&SL name for a very few years, consistent with purchasing lanterns right in the 1853 time period. That helps to narrow in the possible time of the origin of the lantern, since patent dates on lanterns get used for decades after the date of the patent (Completely appropriately, but notoriously making exact dating of things very challenging). So back to my original questions, which are NOT conclusions, but questions: is there any way to be more CERTAIN about when this particular 'B&SL' stamping occurred? The well-known history of the Buffalo and State Line, if possible to more closely link this item to it, would make considerable extra efforts worthwhile to confirm the link. At the same time acknowledging that the fame of the Buffalo and State Line would also have made later stamping more attractive. Things to consider, which you have already mentioned, might include the soldering techniques and materials and the effects of the stamping on them. There are some metallurgical effects that change in predictable ways over time (corrosion is one, age hardening is another) but offhand I don't know if those would be meaningful on the material(s) of this lantern. And looking again at the lantern pix, where was it likely kept? The impression is it spent time outdoors, which might have been during an original owner's use, or occurred later. But also the surface effects might be oxidation of an original coating such as plating or one of the many possible paint, enamel, or shellac techniques which might have been applied. Intriguing issues, in any case, and probably worth professional (which I am not, in these areas!) consideration.  Posted Tuesday, April 26, 2016 by RJMc

A. This lantern would have spent most of it's life indoors at least since the early 1900s. I'm also sure that it spent time outdoors or at least partially outdoors during it's original use. It had been kept in storage in an attic for at least the last 30 years or so before it came into my possession. As for the corrosion, it does seem consistent with being done a very long time ago. When looking at the debossed letters from inside the lantern there is much corrosion / oxidation along with built up creosote from the burning of a candle over the years. I will do more research and see if I can find someone to take the lantern to who can confirm the age of the B & S.L.R.R debossed letters. Thank you for your advice on this matter RJMc. I'll post back with any further developments. Posted Wednesday, April 27, 2016 by ND

 Q3142 Adlake Kero  Need help on this Adlake Kero. It has a #400 pot and burner on the top dome. It has Adlake Kero and then railroad on the skirt. It has C&ARR. There is no pat dates on the bottom of the lantern. It has a drain hole on bottom. The guy I got it from said it was from the Chesapeake and Albemarle Railroad. When I look it up the C&ARR was a short line from 1990 owned by Norfolk Southern short line program. The guy said the pot and burner was in the lantern when he got 20 years ago. I talk to Adlake and they said they have not made the #400 pot and burner in about 40 years.I am thinking this might be from another railroad with C&A on it. Could this lantern be from the 1960s or 1970s? Thanks for your help   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, April 21, 2016 by RT   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. More likely: CHICAGO & ALTON Locations: IL, MO, Mex Express: American and National Expresses Type RR: steam unless noted otherwise Disposition/Successor: GULF, MOBILE & OHIO Posted Thursday, April 21, 2016 by BK

A. It's definitely NOT Chicago & Alton. The lantern dates to recent times per the stamping on top. The Chicago & Alton was reorganized as the Alton RR in about 1932, far earlier than when this lantern was manufactured.  Posted Thursday, April 21, 2016 by BobF

A. Under Railroadiana Types on Railroadiana Home page, click on Lanterns. Next,on Railroad Lanterns page, click on A&W Kero II. The page "Adams & Westlake Kero Lanterns: The Last Stand" will come up. This page might be helpful in more closely determining the age of your lantern. Posted Friday, April 22, 2016 by CRK

A. One tip off its not C&RRR short line is that all the RRs were using battery lanterns not kerosene in 1990. Posted Friday, April 22, 2016 by LP

A. Hi, This is a Chesapeake & Albemarle Railroad Adlake Kero "Heritage" lantern. If you go to the Railroadiana home page, click on "Lanterns' in the right side column, and then "A&W Heritage", you'll see the listing of Kero "Heritage" lanterns (for short lines, museums, tourist RR, Lionel, etc) and the C&ARR is listed there. Your lantern should have had a #300 fount/burner when it was made by Adlake. It is a rare piece as only 19 were made. It is part of a collection of lanterns made to commemorate old short lines of the South.  Posted Monday, April 25, 2016 by wdpdepot

A. thank you wdpdepot for the info do you have ideal why they put a #400 burner and pot in this lantern thanks agan Posted Tuesday, April 26, 2016 by rt

A. The #300 and #400 are interchangeable. The most common reason for changing a pot is if a pot has developed "pinholeing" (metal rusted through allowing the fuel to leak out), but your lantern appears to never have been used. It could have belonged to a collector at one time who needed a #300 and made the swap, or it could have been "new old stock" that was replace by the railroad - there's really no way to know.  Posted Tuesday, April 26, 2016 by wdpdepot

A. thank you wdpdepot for your help Posted Tuesday, April 26, 2016 by rt

 Q3140 Gummed Up Lantern Burner  I recently came across an old Pennsylvania Railroad Lantern. Everything is in really good shape but the burner is all gummed up and there is still liquid inside. Is there any way to these burners open up to give it a good cleaning and get it back in working order? Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, April 19, 2016 by Joey P.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Let it soak outdoors in gasoline over night and it will loosen it up, dissolve the gunk and clean it up as well. Air dry. Wear latex/rubber gloves. Posted Tuesday, April 19, 2016 by DG

A. You can hold the brass part that holds the wick then with other hand turn the very bottom portion that raises the wick counter clockwise to unscrew it from the wick assembly then you can look inside and even clean it better with a rag. Reassemble in reverse. Lantern is a Keystone Casey. Posted Wednesday, April 20, 2016 by dc

 Q3138 RR Lamp Info Needed  I received This lantern from a person whose uncle worked for the Burlington Railroad. It is stamped B R on the frame(see pic). The burner is marked Sherwood Limited Trademark Sound and BR. The wick knob is marked Sherwood BHAM. Any help would be appreciated.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, April 11, 2016 by Mike S.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A.  This is a trackwalker's lamp from British Railways, not the CB&Q, Burlington Route. Sherwood was a lantern maker from Birmingham, England, and Birmingham had been a center for English lamp manufacturers. Many folks make the mistake assuming that BR means Burlington Route, search "British" in the Word or Phrase Archive feature, and check out Q 1533 for more information. Also look at eBay Great Britain and you will probably see similar lamps listed there. Adlake and other American lamp manufacturers made multicolored trackwalker lamps a very long time ago, but at some point they were outlawed because of the possibility of displaying the wrong color aspect. Also ceramic burners are not found in American lamps. Posted Tuesday, April 12, 2016 by KM

 Q3136 Brass Handlan Switch Lantern  I was visiting a friend's house and I noticed that there was a solid brass Handlan switch lantern that was electrified. Does anyone know what purpose a brass switch lantern might have played in the role of railroading (possible retirement gift, used on a special dining car, etc.)?  Posted Friday, April 1, 2016 by JAT   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Handlan was in dire straights in the 1980's and started making items for the railfan trade. The brass plated switch lamps and made them into table lamps and swag lamps.It was not very successful and they eventually were bought out by Adlake. Posted Friday, April 1, 2016 by BK

A. Although most of the brass plated lamps went to railfans, some were bought for the kind of ceremonial occasions you mention. For example, I saw one case where the UTU national office bought one to donate to a Christmas charity auction. The next year it was a brand-new gold-colored Adlake Kero. (Not at ALL clear whether those now count as 'AUTHENTIC' RR lamps!!) People buying them from Handlan could get kerosene or already electrified, in brass, silver colored, black or almost any color paint, and if desired with a tag with any RR (or other) initials you chose to specify. If it didn't matter to you, Handlan would provide a lamp with a randomly-selected tag from whatever they had on hand; 'MoPac' was a common one. The Link is a whole page of discussion about these doings elsewhere on the RRiana site.  Link 1  Posted Friday, April 1, 2016 by RJMc

A. --There are several problems here that need to be addressed. --- I don’t have all the timeline dates at my fingertips as I write this, but I need to get some facts on here while this question is still a fresh item! -- -- There is some serious MISINFORMATION out about Handlan; including the article -ON THIS SITE- that RJMc links to in the above answer. --- I’m guessing that BK’s answer is based on that misinformation as well. --- First of all, starting towards the end of the time line, Handlan was -NOT in dire straits- in the 1980s; it was in fact a rather profitable small business; and “Railfinders/Handlan” did quite well for over a decade! -- The people owning and running “Railfinders”, a middle-aged husband and wife team, were the fourth set of owners of the Handlan company in the 20th century; a married couple who had purchased the remnants of Handlan to run as a small business venture, specializing in hobbyist and collector sales as well as providing switch lamps for what little was left of the actual railroad based business. Railfinders/Handlan actually provided them with a comfortable income for quite some time, and was a very successful small business venture for them --- Handlan, in its heyday during the first half of the 1900s, had been a profitable family owned business. The family sold Handlan sometime in the late 1950s - early 1960s, as best I recall off the top of my head – These second owners kept everything the Handlan family passed on to them, including all the old paper records, catalogs, shop manufacturing patterns, etc; and continued offering pretty much the entire line; though much of it was obsolete with the death of steam and the electrification of signals. – these second owners then sold the company to a group of investors who decided to streamline the company. Regrettably, the third owners went through the records and the manufacturing shop and threw out nearly everything that wasn’t related to then current market demand; primarily kerosene and electric switch lamps. – All the old paper history of the company; records, catalog sheets, historical materials, etc were thrown out! - They also went through the shop and tossed out any remaining obsolete stock and all the patterns and forms for manufacturing nearly all of the old historic line of products; except for what they could at that time still sell to the railroads; primarily just switch lamps. ---- This was a huge historic loss, as up to that time the original and second owners had apparently kept -everything- from over the years! ..paper records and obsolete products. ---- The final owners, the married couple, had some investment money and wanted to purchase a small business to run for their personal source of income. They came across Handlan and purchased the remains of the company. – Railfinders/Handlan served them well for quite a while, and it’s -unfortunate- to have people who don’t know what they are talking about say that it was a “dying remnant of its former self”, “going out of business”, “in dire straits”, “last-ditch effort to stay in business”, “Railfinders was a subsidiary operation”, etc, NONE of which is even remotely accurate!! --- The couple ran the company -successfully- for over a decade and supported themselves comfortably with it! --- Adlake NEVER bought Handlan. -- Adlake did buy out Dressel. --- Some fifth entity apparently purchased the switch lamp patterns and made a cheap, cheesy decorator version of the switch lamp where railroad names were stamped into the vent cap. A few of those show up on eBay from time to time. – The married couple (4th owners) had some promotional materials written and printed up for Railfinders, and the copywriters of those materials used quite a bit of creative license. The photos of the man and woman working in the production shop (Link 1 in the above answer) were actually from the 1950s or even the 1940s ; though by reading the blurb you would have thought they worked there during the “Railfinders” era; -not so. Fortunately, those photos and a few others of the old manufacturing operation survived the great purge of material done by the third owners – In the quote; “Railroad lamps handmade the old Handlan way by craftsmen “-like-” Lou Wanner and Mrs. Nancy Torp”, the operative word is “like”; by the Railfinders days, Lou and Nancy were long gone, and the assembly people of the 1980s did do work “just like” Lou and Nancy had done many years before. – -- It is true that during the “Railfinders” iteration of Handlan, the company still sold switch lamps to railroads; …and to hobbyists alike. There was also a “decorator” line of swag lamps and table lamps; but, if you bought a Switch Lamp from them, it was identical to the ones sold to the railroads, and therefore you CANNOT tell if a switch lamp from that era was ever in railroad service or if it went directly from Handlan to someone’s train room collection. --- Answering the original question; ..a SOLID BRASS lamp would be from the Railfinders era. However, in the 1960s and 1970s it was quite popular to take old railroad lamps from any manufacturer and have them plated in nickel, brass or copper, so a plated lamp could be either an old lamp that someone had plated or one that came plated directly from Railfinders ---- …. Red Beard Posted Sunday, April 3, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

 Q3134 Star Headlight Lantern Marking  I picked up this Star Headlight lantern that I believe is a track walkers inspection lantern. Whats throwing me are the intials in the handle 'RIL.' I initially thought they could stand for 'Rock Island Lines' and maybe they do, but I'm not certain. The other red flag is the letters are set into the handle and not raised like I am accustomed to seeing. Does anyone have any thoughts?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, March 25, 2016 by Craig H.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. They might be the employees' initials. Workers were usually responsible for their lanterns. Looks like someone could have taken it to the shop and punched their initials after being assigned the lantern. Posted Friday, March 25, 2016 by JN

A. What you have is an inspectors lantern, track walkers lanterns are quite different. Posted Friday, March 25, 2016 by don cassaday

A. I have one just like this with RIL stamped in the handle although not quite as clearly stamped. Posted Friday, March 25, 2016 by Rick T

A. The letters are set deep and straight so I do believe they were done with some form of a machine and not by an individual with a set of individual letters.  Posted Saturday, March 26, 2016 by ch

A. I'd go with Rock Island Lines. I've seen others like yours in the past similarly marked and I'm in the Midwest (Rock Island territory). Posted Saturday, March 26, 2016 by BobF

A. Thank you Posted Monday, March 28, 2016 by Craig H

 Q3133 Alaska RR Kero?  I was wondering if the Alaska Railroad ever use the Adlake Kero lantern on their system? There is no listing for them on your site, any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.  Posted Thursday, March 24, 2016 by Rick M   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. While on a business trip to Alaska during the late 1980's one Saturday I rode what was known as the Whittier Shuttle on the Alaska Railroad, complete with snack car, coaches, auto transport flat cars and caboose. At Portage autos on flat cars were transported through the tunnel to Whittier and back three times along with the caboose. Once in Whittier I walked back to the caboose and asked its two man crew if I could ride with them for the remaining two turns and much to my surprise the answer was "yes". Earlier that morning I purchased an ALDAKE KERO lantern marked "ALAKSA RR" at the Anchorage depot gift shop and was curious to see if there were any on the caboose. There were two, but unlike mine neither lantern was marked, other than ADLAKE KERO. The crew allowed me to hang my lantern on the rear of the caboose for the next two turns so I could say with certainty it truly did see active train service on the ALSKA RAILROAD. I did not see anymore ADLAKE KERO lanterns in Alaska after that trip and have always wondered if the marked ones, like mine, were a special run made for ALASKA RAILRAOD gift shop sales or if any saw train service. Posted Saturday, April 2, 2016 by JH

A. In response to your question as to whether the Alaska RR ever used marked Adlake Kero lanterns in train and engine service, the answer is yes. I worked for the ARR from 1982 -2001 as a train and engineman and did come across a few in cabooses. However, most were unmarked. Posted Sunday, October 29, 2017 by Bryan

 Q3131 Original Lenses?  I recently acquired a Handlan black switch lantern with two amber and two green Stimsonite lenses. The lamp has the word Frisco on the side and Handlan on the top. The item was sold as NOS new old stock. The interior shows it was never circulated. The lantern is new and clean in the interior. I want to know if the Stimsonite lenses were added or potentially original?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, March 18, 2016 by Marc   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I don't know specifically about the Frisco, but the Wabash/Norfolk & Western in the midwest were big users of Stimsonite lenses like this in the 1960's till they removed the lanterns altogether. I remember in about 1969 the N&W did some track work on the bridge just west of Landers yard in Chicago and installed two new switches, complete with brand new Adlake switch lanterns equipped with Stimsonite lenses. They certainly are appropriate for the time period for late production lanterns like yours. The lenses reflected with the outer ring and if the lantern were to be lit the lenses could also be acceptably illuminated. Posted Friday, March 18, 2016 by BobF

A. This is one of those "maybe" situations. The last of the lamps Frisco got from Handlan were just as yours; coming new in the box with the Stimsonite lenses. I have one exactly like yours, Stimsonite lenses and all, that I know came out of the Frisco's Kansas City yards in the mid 1970s. The last time I saw lamps on the Frisco was in 1982 and they were still just like yours. -- The "maybe" part comes in, as Handlan was selling lamps to the general public in the 1970s & '80s and some of the most common of those are marked "FRISCO"; so it is impossible to say if yours came from the Frisco or directly from Handlan to a hobbyist/collector. -- BobF, above, is spot on about the N&W lamps. In the late 1960s, early 1970s, the N&W (old Wabash) yard in Council Bluffs, IA had some of those Adlake lamps; #1112, that came fresh out of the box, with all 5-3/8 in. Green & Yellow Stimsonite plastic lenses, just like the lenses in Marc's Frisco lamp. They had also refitted all of the old, heavy gauge sheet metal Handlan lamps with new Stimsonite lenses. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Saturday, March 19, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

 Q3130 Lamp Info?  What kind of base is this for? Never saw one like this. Is this a semaphore or a train order lamp? Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, March 14, 2016 by RT   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Some questions: Who made the lamp? What color is the lens, and confirm there is just one lens? The metalwork of the base looks suspiciously like the cast metal used in switch throw mechanisms and mechanical interlocking devices, so as a guess maybe this lamp marked a remotely-thrown derail or maybe a movable bridge.  Posted Tuesday, March 15, 2016 by RJMc

A. the lamp is made by adlake there is only one lens its red  Posted Tuesday, March 15, 2016 by rt

A. the lamp has a tag on it with p b & w rr and a another tag with pat dats the last pat dat is 1906 Posted Wednesday, March 16, 2016 by rt

 Q3129 Lantern Info Needed  Can anyone tell me about this?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, March 14, 2016 by Amanda S   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. This is a tall globe lantern made by Dressel. One is shown on this website -- follow the ink below.  Link 1  Posted Tuesday, March 15, 2016 by PK

 Q3128 Lantern History?  I have acquired a cool, interesting railroad lantern. I'm not selling it, but am interested in its history. I just retired on disability from 37 years in the track maintenance beginning with the SLSF (Frisco) railroad, out of Springfield, Missouri in the late seventies. The lantern and its total markings are: The Adams & Westlake Co. New York-Chicago-Philadelphia Adlake Reliable 11.28. 1911-7.2. 1912-4.1.1913 9.22. CAN. 1921-1923-PATS PENDING PADT. 5.5.1908. 1-26.1909 1-26.1909. 9-21-1909 Glass Globe reads -SAFETY FIRST MADE IN USA. Cnx It has a wick in it, the globe is intact, undamaged. Again, I do not ever intend to sell this, I am interested in the history only. Modern Railroading does not turn me on, but the founding railroads do.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, March 11, 2016 by Stan   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Go to the "Lanterns" page on this site. There is a write up about the Adlake Reliable. It even shows a lantern like yours. I attached it to the link on this page.  Link 1  Posted Friday, March 11, 2016 by JN

 Q3126 1873 A&W Brass Lantern with Cobalt Blue Globe  Is this lantern now being reproduced and starting to be sold in the U.S.? Two have shown up on Ebay in one weeks time. Both identical in condition and style.  Posted Tuesday, March 8, 2016 by RP   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. No. More like monkey see, monkey sell. Just a case of an original lantern selling for what someone else with one thought was worth their while to try and sell theirs for. They are both original lanterns, and probably original globes. Posted Tuesday, March 8, 2016 by EN

 Q3125 SCL Lantern  I found this lantern in an antique shop this weekend, bought it for $9.00. Got onto your site, looks like it may have been made in the fifties if I understand what I read. Also it is stamped 'SCL' but I didn’t see that in your list of railroads. Could it be Seaboard Coast Line? If you could tell me what you think I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, March 6, 2016 by Richard S   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. "SCL" is the reporting mark for the Seaboard Coast Line. "A reporting mark is an alphabetic code of one to four letters used to identify owners or lessees of rolling stock and other equipment used on certain railroad networks". So your guess seems to be correct. You got a good deal for $9.00. Clean and derust and you'll have a nice lantern. The lid hold down clip looks like it might be broken but I'm not sure about that. Posted Wednesday, March 9, 2016 by GK

A. looks like the hold down clip may not be broken, just closed with it inside top wire rather than outside. Posted Wednesday, March 9, 2016 by DC

A. After examining my Adlake lanterns the locking clip on said lantern has definitely been broken or cut short. An unbroken clip would never fit inside the top wire as it would be way to long. The bend in the clip that 'grabs' the top wire is also missing in the above lantern Posted Friday, March 11, 2016 by GK

A. That looks like the ones my Grandpa had. He had three; one red, one green, and one amber. They had a wire base, about eighteen inches high. The globes bore, the colored; and he put a water hose with the fine lines for the handles and on the base bottoms. The water hoses back then, were rubbery, and kind of wiggley when you held it. I hope you understand what I mean. Thank YOU!!😃 I thought I’d never see them again! For me, YOU have a piece of history. If they could speak, wonder where they’ve been!? YOU!!, enjoy your find! Posted Sunday, November 11, 2018 by CHG

 Q3122 Reflectorized Railroad Lamp?   I've had this piece for many years and always believed it to be railroad-related, but after much internet research, I haven't seen one like it to confirm or not. Can you shed some light (forgive me, I couldn't resist that awful pun...I'll bet I'm the first :)) on this reflectorized square lamp?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, February 29, 2016 by K Man   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. It's a non-illuminated switch stand marker Posted Monday, February 29, 2016 by BK

A. K Man; can you also please send in a photo of the bottom of the item? That could tell us something, Thanks, ---- .... Red Beard Posted Monday, February 29, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. K Man, see Q2310 for some detail on an older question on these. ---- First a question for you; Could you please shine a bright light into one of those green reflectors? ..let us know what color the glass is. Is it the usual railroad "Teal Green" color of switch lamp lenses? The one in Q2310 looks to be more of a grass green color, but digital photos can skew the color quite a bit. -- Do you know what part of the country it came from? ---- I'm still guessing that these are shop made by some railroad, and that they are definitely a switch stand indicator. ---- .... Red Beard Posted Monday, February 29, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. The Link describes the technique of using the 'button' reflectors on highway signs, last used in the early 1960's when flat reflectorized sheeting such as Scotchlite and paints with reflective particles became popular. Link 1  Posted Wednesday, March 2, 2016 by RJMc

 Q3118 MRy Lantern Number  I acquired this lantern a few days ago. I know it is from the Monongahela Railway by the stamp on it. However, I am not sure what the other stamp is, which reads 'L-986'. I checked to see if this might have been a locomotive number, but it doesn't appear to be so.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, February 23, 2016 by JT   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. With a number in the 900's, the "L" is probably for "L-antern" number, so they could track which lantern was issued to which employee. The Link is to a GB&W marker which is also stamped; they suggest that the serial number was needed because the lamp got issued to different employees at different times and so needed accountability. The Monongahela operated in a small enough area that most crews started and finished their shifts at the same base location (Brownsville, for example); if the RR issued lanterns daily all the employees would not need to carry them back and forth to work on the extensive trolley service that once operated there. They probably also recorded which lanterns were assigned to towers, stations, crossing watchmen shanties, etc. where many different employees used the same lanterns. (I am surprised that more RR's DIDN't number the lanterns. Just another indication that mass-produced, stamped out lanterns were really very inexpensive when you bought a couple hundred at a time!))  Link 1  Posted Thursday, February 25, 2016 by RJMc

 Q3117 Pin Holes in a Lantern Fuel Font  I am working on a NYC lantern. The kerosene pot has some pin holes in the bottom. Any recommendation on what to do to plug the holes? I was thinking of using the stuff you see on TV, flexseal, but thought the kerosene might dissolve the stuff. Also should I try sealing it from the inside as well?  Posted Tuesday, February 23, 2016 by Tim B   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Reasonably priced new and good used fonts are available on Ebay in the lantern and Lamp section. Would not affect the value of your lantern and a better fix then sealing the pin holes IMO. Posted Wednesday, February 24, 2016 by JK

A. I've had success with JB Weld products. Basically a two part slow cure epoxy available in several different versions based on the application, ie, filled for extra strength, etc. I'd first try to apply from the inside and extrude out through the holes. Of course if that doesn't work apply from the outer surface. The bond surface must be clean. I minimally buff a small area around the holes with 0000 steel wool, wipe with acetone (leaves no residue) and apply the JB Weld. Let us know how it works. BTW, I've used this technique on air compressor pressure tanks (about 125 psi max), antique powder flasks and many others. Let us know the results. Posted Wednesday, February 24, 2016 by jsmosby

 Q3115 Northern Pacific Caboose Day Markers  I just got these northern pacific railroad caboose day markers. I would like to know when they started using this type.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, February 18, 2016 by RT   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. i cannot believe that nobody knows anything about caboose day markers what kind of people or on this site. day markers were mostly used on the older wooden caboose from around 1800s to about the 1940s maybe a little latter.this way railroads could save a little on fuel from not burning the marker lamps also you could not see the marker lamps that good in the daylight hours.not all railroads use day markers. i see yours our marked np day markers or hard to fine now days and may be rare. Posted Thursday, February 25, 2016 by mike

A. Mike, the people on this website know how to spell, use proper punctuation and capital letters when appropriate. pajrr Posted Thursday, February 25, 2016 by pajrr

A. One more comment about the first answer.............. He wanted to know when they were used......."1800's to 1940's or later".......that answer basically covers the entire operating history of the Northern Pacific Ry. I will agree that they are "hard to fine", however. I've been buying & selling RR'iana for 40 years and I've never seen one, RR marked or otherwise. That might explain why nobody seems to know anything about them. Posted Friday, February 26, 2016 by DA

A. Here's a picture of an NP cab with markers. Link 1  Posted Friday, February 26, 2016 by RT

A. Its interesting that the 'markers' are green color. Not a usual color for markers; is the other side of these red? Or maybe white? The Nickel Plate always used white painted metal 'flags' on steam engines on extra trains (which were most of the trains they operated -- almost every NKP Berkshire picture ever taken has those white flags, except the rare ones in passenger service) even though the engines were also carrying white electric classification lights. Maybe these NP items were 'Class Flags' for 'another section following' and that wasn't all that common an occurrence.  Posted Friday, February 26, 2016 by RJMc

A. pajrr your right i dont know how spell very well but i dont wait till somebody else answers the question to come out of the closet your 2 cents is noted. dj seeing is believing look at the pic real hard what do you see i see np marking also click on link below my god its a np caboose with metal day markers.rjmc these or not flags there day markers made for cabooses not engines they our green on both sides.they were made so one is for the lift side and one for the right side they our not reversible so even if one side was red and the other was white it would not work because the way the bracket is curved these markers were meant to be used with coroner brackets. click on the link below to see np caboose Posted Friday, February 26, 2016 by mike

A. Examples: See Link 1 for Milwaukee Road and Link 2 for C&NW -- The ones I have seen are red on one side and green on the other. At the moment I can't find photos showing the green side. ---- .... Red Beard Link 1  Link 2  Posted Monday, February 29, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. here's one showing the back side being green ---- .... Red Beard Link 1  Posted Monday, February 29, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. To try to answer the 'when' part of your question, the Link gives the history of Scotchlite and related reflectorized material back to the 1960's, but plain-painted ones could have been in use long before that. The Link turned up the reference to 'button copy' which relates to the earlier reflectorization technique applied on the switch marker in Q 3122. Link 1  Posted Wednesday, March 2, 2016 by RJMc

A. To really answer the question, you would need to look at Northern Pacific operating rulebooks which instruct the crews what markers to display and under what conditions. Permitting non-lit markers to be used (in place of prior kerosene) would have been a fairly major change in allowed procedures and would have been noted. So far I haven't found any NP historical rule books on the web that can be read directly, but they are for sale. Posted Wednesday, March 2, 2016 by RJMc

A. Here's some relevant parts of a Q&A on Trainorders.com (see Link for their full discussion): "Re: Early Amtrak Passenger Train Question Author: 1372" "... All trains on BN used rectangular metal non-illuminated marker paddles, red to rear, green to front. This dated from spring 1967, when Great Northern discontinued traditional marker lights ...(EXCEPT on trains running into Canada, which required lighted markers). The practice continued as long as (passenger) heritage equipment ran on BN lines."  Link 1  Posted Thursday, March 3, 2016 by RJMc

 Q3114 Handlan RR Lantern  I am new to Handlan lanterns and have been frustrated in researching information. I have the following questions, any assistance will be greatly appreciated. -Handlan Lantern: Height 10 in. -Clear Globe 5 1/4 in. -Marked: NYSRR -Lettering slightly tilted, lid repaired at hinge -Patent #s 41309 02310 122710 1212 -Adlake No. 1 Signal Burner This lanterns vintage (what years)? The railroads name or is it mis-marked? Does the repair on the lid send up any flags? Is the chimney missing anything and how do I remove the spring assembly?  [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, February 17, 2016 by Jimmy T   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. What years was this lantern made? Posted Thursday, February 18, 2016 by JT

A. The closest railroad to those initials might be "New York State Railways". It was a conglomerate of trolley and interurban lines in upstate NY. Their Adlake Reliables marked N.Y.S. Rys are fairly common, but I've never seen another Handlan marked like this. If it is an interurban lantern, the burner might be considered correct, especially if the lantern had a mounting bracket and red globe for use as a marker lamp. Otherwise it would have a more typical Handlan burner with a narrower wick and shorter wick raising shaft. The lid repair could have done for a variety of reasons and you'll never know exactly why. On some of the later Handlans, (1920's?)the globe retainer and spring are held in with a spot welded piece and it's not removable. Hopefully someone can confirm the markings for sure, I'm just offering a possibility. Posted Thursday, February 18, 2016 by JFR

A. Some where along the line someone replaced the correct Handlan burner with one that was made for an Adlake lantern or lamp. Posted Thursday, February 18, 2016 by JK

A. The top is typical of late tall globe Handlan lanterns and the frame is a late model tall Handlan style also, so a repair wouldn't make me too suspicious. Lanterns could get pretty abused so repairs did happen. Handlan didn't have the greatest quality control so a sloppy marking also isn't that unusual. That is the typical marking style for late tall Handlan lanterns and later 4-1/2 and 3-1/4 globe Handlans. It's probably from the 1920's and someone took a font/burner from stock and replaced the original Handlan one. Since the NYSRR also used Adlake lanterns a switch on the RR itself is very plausible since they would be in store. Posted Saturday, February 20, 2016 by BobF

 Q3111 Switch Lamp Lens   I’ve looked through the message board and tried some research on my own and I still have a question regarding the Fresnel lenses in switch lamps. I picked up a couple of Dressel switch lamps recently. One has Corning and the other has Kopp 5 3/8 lenses. The Kopp lenses have 4 steps and the Corning lenses have 5 steps. What's the difference? Is the light somehow focused differently, can it be seen better at longer distances etc. etc? I just wasn't able find out any information on any advantage to having more or less steps. Any help would be greatly appreciated and thanks for your time.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, February 12, 2016 by Gary A   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Contact (email)the Corning Museum of Glass. (Link 1). They helped me out with a question about a WWII era US Navy Fresnel globe I have. "Contact" button is at bottom of page. btw: The Kopp vs Corning Fresnel lantern globes have a different number of steps also 5 vs 6. Link 1  Posted Saturday, February 13, 2016 by BC

A. Link didn't work. Can't edit post here so try www.cmog.org Posted Saturday, February 13, 2016 by BC

A.  I took this one to a good friend of mine who worked for the railroad for many years. Here's what he said: --- "The earlier Corning lenses (1935 design) had the same number of concentric rings as the present Kopp design. Check it out with your lenses. The later design added more rings to the Corning lenses. The only reason I heard for the new design, and that’s from a supplier rep, is that the new design used less glass,was thinner walled and kept the price point down,but didn’t sacrifice brilliance or beam power. Makes good business sense. The other reason given to me was the better,more uniform distribution of color tint throughout the lense. Just like in globes,the thicker parts tended to be of a deeper color.And in tall globes,that showed as a deeper color toward the top of the globe structure. This may be mostly conjecture,but the salesmen for the railroad suppliers usually had good info." ---- .... Red Beard  Posted Saturday, February 13, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

A. Thank you all very much for the great information! It was extremely helpful. After disassembling these and cleaning them up for display, I’ve noticed a few subtle differences even though they are both Dressel lamps. The lenses are one of those differences. Again, thanks for your help. I appreciate it. Posted Saturday, February 13, 2016 by Gary

 Q3106 Pyle National Headlight Question  I purchased a Pyle National headlight a couple of years ago which I was told was removed from a Canadian National steam locomotive in the 1950s. Being a member of the camp of 'trust but verify' I've been looking for pictures of locomotives with this exact type of headlight but have yet to find one on any railway in Canada or the US with the same loop pin holding the bezel on the left with the butterfly clasp locking the glass on the right. Most headlights have different latching systems; either a butterfly clasp that folds back or more of a hook-type latch. The headlight has a 14 inch glass and cast into the bottom of the bezel is 1417 NO (though it could be a KO); the diameter of the light is the same throughout - not tapered. The reflector inside has stamped on it 14014 Non Glare 11 PN 89. The copper tag is a bit corroded but appears to have a RR record no. of c24G CPW. Can anyone tell me about this headlight or to which railroad this record number belongs? I think the style dates from 1925 and my suspicion is if it was from a CNR engine, it was most likely removed from a tender some of which appear to have had similar, older style headlights. Thank you for any help you can provide.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, February 7, 2016 by Jason   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The mounting arrangement between the door and the headlight casing is not unusual for Pyle lights. It just looks like somebody replaced the usual bent wire hinge pin with the one you have, with the longer wire and loop. That could have happened any time in the life of the headlight. It would have been much easier to install the hinge pin you have, and not worry about having to bend the usual very stiff, thick wire one and take the chance of breaking the cast aluminum hinges. Headlights and backup lights were always taking a beating, and its entirely possible and would be entirely typical if the door and maybe the reflector you have did not start life on this headlight body.  Posted Sunday, February 7, 2016 by RJMc

 Q3105 Piper Lamp Questions  I bought the lamp [at left] at a local auction & have been collecting for over 40 years & haven't seen one like this before. It's a N.L. Piper Toronto with a soldered on brass plate. It's unfortunate that it's in very rough condition, but that's how it was found! It is large (Approx. 20 inches high & missing two lenses- two left are -one Red -one clear. They seem to be fresnel type glass. My main question is: what was it used for??? I collect all types of lanterns & have approx. 100 different ones. Any info is appreciated! While I'm at it please see other unknown make lantern with green glass all around and about 14 inches high [at right]. I also would appreciate knowing what it was used for??? The dealer I bought it from thought it was used on a barge?? The interior is also badly rusted,but the font is there.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, February 4, 2016 by Larry H   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. For your pic on the left, Barrett's Illustrated Encyc. of RR Lighting, Vol. 2, pg 254-255 in my softbound copy, has a pic of what appears to be this exact lamp labelled PIP BR-12, Swing Bridge Lamp. Theirs did not have a tag, but they thought it was from the late 1800's and (as yours confirms) made by Piper in Toronto. Theirs (which is in much better condition) had red and blue lenses.  Posted Thursday, February 4, 2016 by RJMc

A. For your pic on the right, Barrett Vol. 2 shows some very similar ones under Armspear, and says that co. in the 1920's supplied this style of lamp for several different functions by changing brackets, lens configuarations, etc. On pg. 111, under Barrett's designation ARM UN-01 (for 'UNknown purpose'), they say that the bolt-down holes in the base indicate a bridge lamp but the curlicue in the bail (not quite visible whether yours has that) would indicate a grade crossing lamp. The one they show had red lenses and they speculate it was for a highball signal. Your more green lenses suggest to me a navigation marker (bridge) light.  Posted Thursday, February 4, 2016 by RJMc

 Q3102 Battery Marker Lamps  Were the older battery operated caboose marker lamps -- the ones made out of metal like the ones on PRR and Penn Central -- steady burn or did they flash? I have two, one made by McDermott, it's a PRR and the other is a Penn Central. One flashes; the other is steady burn. Thanks.  Posted Monday, February 1, 2016 by RT   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. It was the railroad's choice. And on systems as big as PRR and PC it is entirely possible they used both at different places and times. When the FRA wrote its 'High Visibility Marker' rule, whether to require or not require, allow or not allow flashing was a major discussion point. Neither side of the argument was convincing enough, or powerful enough to dictate a solution one way or the other. Similar debate over colors; red, orange, or yellow? So the rule allows using either flashing OR constant, and uses highly technical language on color spectra to really say "Any color in between red, orange, and yellow is OK." Generally flashing the lamp gives longer battery life, and with modern strobe light circuits can deliver (arguably) higher visibility and that approach has been the trend. But the 'to flash or not to flash' debate has gone on for a very long time. The link describes how even kerosene lanterns could be made to blink on and off, although the method apparently wasn't reliable enough to gain any acceptance on US RR's.  Posted Wednesday, February 3, 2016 by RJMc

 Q3101 Loco Headlamp?  I have researched and researched this item which appears to be a locomotive headlight but i have not been able to confirm since I can't find any info on General Electric Co making one. Can you help me figure out the origins of this item? It was my grandfathers and he recently passed away. Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, February 1, 2016 by SU   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hello SU,I am quite certain that your headlight is off an interurban car or possible a streetcar.The interurban use is my guess as they were portable in nature and the crews took them and the marker lamps off the train after each run.This is evidenced by the hanger hooks on the back of the body.Lets see what the others say about your headlight.DJB Posted Tuesday, February 2, 2016 by DJB

A. Hi, The clips on the back have me leaning towards streetcar also. I agree with DJB with his thinking. Posted Tuesday, February 2, 2016 by JN

A. A streetcar or interurban application is a very good possibility. The 'steam railroads' also used this type of light to illuminate back up moves. This is indicated by the screw clamps at the bottom of the hanger straps; the hooks drop down over the top of the folding gate, and the screw clamps lock the light to a lower section of the folding gate in the vestibule of a passenger car. For example, I was told the Bessemer and Lake Erie RR at one time ran a daily local passenger train up a stub end branch line, and had to back down all the way on the return. A light like this was on the back end. Most of the travellers on the train were kids going to school and back, and all winter a lot of the trip was in the dark so the light was essential.  Posted Tuesday, February 2, 2016 by RJMc

A. Looking more closely at the current example, those are not screw clamps at the base, they are rubber bumpers. Most interurbans had just a single bar to hang the headlight on, so the bumpers were needed, and adjustable, to keep the headlight from banging around against the front of the car due to the play in the hooks. This makes the interurban application most likely. Another clue, (except in this case not available because this light seems to have been rewired)would be the type of plug. Many interurbans used a fairly large wooden-handled plug with long two round prongs; most RR's used a much smaller screw-base type plug or a even a typical flat two-prong plug similar to household use.  Posted Tuesday, February 2, 2016 by RJMc

 Q3099 ATSF Marker Lamp  I received a caboose marker lamp for Christmas and trying to get an approximate of when this would have been used or was made. It is an Adlake, marked as Santa Fe. Was originally kerosene, but was converted to electric. The only other markings are 'S47359' and 'CL 31 X'.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, January 26, 2016 by CS   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A.  Santa Clause was good to you this year! – Of all the lamps I have, my Santa Fe marker is one of my favorites; noticeably smaller than other markers and with a graceful and distinctive shape. – These are a variation of the ADLAKE model 63 lamp (LINK 1) – Though the AT&SF switch and marker lamps “all look alike”, there are some subtle differences. Yours has the typical flat cap of the “later” majority of ATSF lamps, but still has the ADLAKE patent date tag on the stack. Very early ones had a blank domed cap and some had the ADLAKE domed cap. Later flat cap ones did not have the patent info tag. – My theory is that Santa Fe eventually bought the stamping dies from ADLAKE and made the lamps themselves. -- They even made order board lamps and semaphore lamps out of the same body! - – The tag 'S47359', is serial number and each one I’ve seen has a different number; BUT not all Markers have the serial number tag; However, EVERY switch lamp I’ve seen has the serial number. My theory is that during WWII, with metal shortages and overwhelming increases in traffic, the Santa Fe converted some switch lamps with the serial number tag into markers. They also converted a number of boxcars into side door cabooses due to war time traffic demands. The basic body is the same for the marker and switch lamps, and the bases (cast aluminum) with the cast in “Santa Fe” lettering is the same on both lamps (though there are slight variation in "Santa Fe" lettering on the cast aluminum bases as well). If you take the fork tubes off the switch lamps you see that the switch lamp bases have the same 8 indexing holes that the marker bases have; only difference being the attachable fork tubes and the attachable mounting bracket on the markers. – As the model 63 ADLAKE lamp dates back to the early 1900s, and yours has the patent date tag, I’d guess it could date to the 1920s +/-. The fact that it was electrified could mean a number of things; cabooses weren’t electrified until the 1960s. Some steam engines and streamline passenger cars got electric outlet sockets for markers back into the 1930s. See questions ; Q1392, Q2514 for more discussion ---- …. Red Beard  Link 1  Posted Wednesday, January 27, 2016 by Red Beard the Railroad Raider

 Q3097 Brass Wall Mount Oil Lamp  I have a heavy ornate brass wall RR lamp stand 18 inch tall by 10 1/2 in depth. Marking as follows: the bottom of the oil/ kerosene bowl inscribed: Post & Co Makers Cincinnati, Oh. The wick turn knob inscribed: The Plume & Atwood Mfg. Co. USA.; the top stack reads: Adams & Westlake Company, Chicago. I trying to obtain some information about this lamp. I appreciate any information. Thank you,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, January 26, 2016 by Charles   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q3096 Adams & Westlake Model #200-#250  I just bought 2 Adams & Westlake lanterns at an estate sale. According to information they are both from 1930 to 1935 with the short 3-1/2 inch red globes. Wanted to see if you could tell me how to add kero to them? I have opened the tops and removed the globes. The wick control works good on one; the other needs a little work on it but it does work. The numbers stamped in the top are # 27479 and # 24994. Any help with these would be great.  Posted Saturday, January 23, 2016 by Greg N   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hi, just lift out the whole tank assembly (oil tank, called the Fount) gently twist the burner (the part that holds the wick)counter-clockwise about 1/4 turn and remove it. It might be a little stuck so don.t apply too much force. Once you remove it and remove the burner just pour in your oil (I prefer scentless lamp oil) and reattach the burner.. The oil fount may have waste cloth (called batting) in it. You can either leave it in or remove it just by pulling it out. It won't affect the operation if you pull it out, and pulling it out an keep it from absorbing moisture and possibly rotting out the fount. Posted Saturday, January 23, 2016 by JN

 Q3089 Lamp ID Needed  Here are a couple of pictures of a lamp my Father had. I was wondering is anyone has an idea as to what it's purpose was and history of who and when it might have been manufactured? It appears to be all brass or copper, has a kerosene container with a wick inside, clear glass, and folding handles on the back. Other than the flat bottom, there is no holes or hooks for 'hanging' the lamp. I do not see any manufacturer's name tag on it. Thank you.  [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, January 13, 2016 by John G   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hello John, there are 2 possibilities that come too mind. Because the flame of the burner is below the glass insert, it is apparent that not too much light was wanted. Also the air inlet holes at that location would not give much leaked light. One use would be a darkroom light with the outside swing red glass missing. The second possible use would be as a binnacle light for a compass card. The extra hinge pins showing would allow the lantern to swing against the back of the binnacle, and seal against light leakage. However all this is conjecture.. Posted Friday, March 11, 2016 by Mike Dolan

 Q3088 Changing Lantern Battery  How do I change the battery in the 292 model?  Posted Monday, January 11, 2016 by NoName   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. This is a Star Lantern Co. electric model. See prior Q 2908 on this Board all about the batteries and how to change them, and many other questions under "Star Lantern" in the word or phrase search here on this site. Star Lantern Co. maintains a good website (see Links) also on all of their earlier and current models of these lanterns which are were and are very widely used on the RR's.  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Tuesday, January 12, 2016 by RJMc

 Q3086 Inspector Lantern  I recently purchased a Dietz Acme inspector lamp. The last patent date is March 8 1910, there is no production date, it has a tall square handle, no bail or holes, the tubes are smooth, there is a release lever for the reflector, the reflector is hollow glass, the globe has a mark which may be a pontil mark or a zero, the fill port is steel, the fill cap is cup shaped steel, it has a reinforced hang hole. Does anyone have information especially a time span this variant would have been manufactured? It seems to be an amalgam of #0 inspector and trackwalker/protector parts. Was it made to use up parts? I've seen pics. of the curved handle and lower square handled lanterns which both have bails. This lantern appears appears to be a transition model but why the lack of a bail?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, January 4, 2016 by DT   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hi DT, I too have seen photos of this lantern with out a bail, and I know from years of collecting and speaking with railroad employees that different railroads were able to order their lanterns to different specifications which they desired. The collection of different parts is not surprising. Many times as parts failed or were broken they were replaced with parts from other lanterns. Sorry, I don't know about the timespan when they were made, you may want to send an email to Woody at W.T Kirkman in California, he is somewhat of a Dietz expert and very friendly. Steve B. Posted Saturday, January 16, 2016 by Steve B

 Q3085 'K in Circle' Kopp Globe  I purchased a Hunter/Spruce green Blizzard lantern made in 1950. It has a blue Kopp globe. I read that Kopp started made lantern globes in 1926. Do they still make these lantern globes? If not when did they stop production? Thank you.  Posted Sunday, January 3, 2016 by DT   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hi, Kopp still makes globes. As a matter of fact, if you purchase a new Kero Lantern from Adlake it comes with a Kopp globe. Posted Sunday, January 3, 2016 by JN

 Q3081 Dietz Vesta  Could anyone tell me how to remove the chimney on a Dietz Vesta lantern ? I have a Vesta that I would like to switch the chimney to one in better condition. Also this lantern is marked MRR on the top, I was told that this lantern could be from either the Montour Railroad or the Monongahela Railroad. Would the Dietz company use the same marking for both railroads? Or are the markings different? Can anyone tell me what railroad this lantern is from? Thank you in advance for any help in this matter.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, December 31, 2015 by Dave N.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hi, I have 24 different Vestas and this one is from the Monongahela RR. which was part of the NYCS. I have seen several of these over the years. I do not believe Dietz made Vestas for the Montour RR. Posted Monday, January 4, 2016 by wdpdepot

A. The Railroadiana Railroad marking mystery Page states that both the Montour and the Monongahela Railroads both used the MRR marking before 1915. The Monongahela RR was reorganized in 1915 and changed its name to Railway ( Abbreviated to RY ) The Monongahela from 1015 on then used the MRY marking. this Lantern has a manufacture date of January 1939 so it was made well after the Monongahela RR marking change from MRR to MRY. Posted Monday, January 4, 2016 by Dave N.