Question & Answer Board

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 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