Gerhardt Berlin N.24 - Lantern - Metal - vehicle lantern

Antique carbide-/petroleum vehicle lantern from W. GERHARDT BERLIN – Model 240 (circa 1900)
A fascinating and rare historical vehicle lantern from the turn of the century (ca. 1890–1920).
This is a high-quality German industrial product from the renowned company W. Gerhardt, Berlin, manufactured in the old postal district Berlin N. 24 (Berlin-Mitte).
The lamp bears on the front side the original, oval manufacturer plate with the impressed model number 240. On the back of the housing there is another manufacturer plate from the foundry or supplier “A. J. & CO.” with serial number 5607.
These lanterns were specially developed for demanding use in transportation and were used on coaches, early automobiles, horse-drawn wagons, or as signaling lights in the railway and tram sectors.
Technical details & condition: Burner: Equipped with a robust brass flat-burner for petroleum.
The wick mechanism, including the long adjustment wheel for regulating the flame height, and the original wind-protecting burner cap are present. The old, authentically soot-stained wick is still in the wick tube.
Optics: Large, distinctive bullseye glass lens (loupe lens) on the front to focus the light beam.
On the side there is the typical square detachable bracket for mounting on a vehicle.
Material & patina: The housing consists of a sturdy metal alloy (brass/steel sheet) and features a beautiful, untouched antique patina with characteristic green corrosion, underscoring the museum-like character of this collectible.
The latch to open the front is hard to move.
Would need a bit of tinkering to get it back into operation. The glass pane is still flawless and undamaged.
Otherwise, details are as shown in the pictures.
An absolutely authentic piece of German industrial history from the turn-of-the-century era – perfect for collectors of historic tech, antique enthusiasts, or as a decorative object with a story.