Lantern - Metal

Antique manual oil-powered railway signaling lantern.
A fascinating object of industrial archaeology, used from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. These instruments were vital for safety, used by railway workers (such as shunters or signalmen) to communicate with the train drivers of moving trains.

• The color signaling system: Most of these lanterns allowed the color of the emitted light to be changed by turning a handle, an inner body, or by operating color filters. The standard colors were red (to indicate stop or danger), green (go-ahead), and white/yellow (service or maneuver light).

• Robust construction: They were made of heavy metal (often iron sheet, brass or copper) to resist shocks, the elements, and heavy use. Many feature a domed roof with appropriate vents, designed to vent the hot fumes of combustion so that wind or rain wouldn’t extinguish the flame.

• Combustion operation: Inside they house a removable reservoir for petrol (or kerosene), a burner, and a cotton wick adjustable via a small external or internal wheel to regulate the light intensity.