Signal device or lantern
United States or England
1800-1860
Measurements
16-1/4 in x 6-1/2 in (dia)
Materials
Tinned sheet iron
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp
Accession Number
1959.4080
Condition Notes
The door has detached at the soldered hinges. The bottom of the lighting device body has partially detached from the base to the left of the door opening.
Provenance
Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp
Comments
The cylindrical signal light or lantern has a conical top surmounted by a circular strap handle (now bent out of round). A door, now detached from its hinge, allows access to the inside, where a single candle socket provides a source of light. The entire lighting device is decoratively pierced with dash and dot shapes arranged in three large arches, including one on the door. The roof has circular arrangements along with two larger circular holes that ventilated heat.
Illumination from this device was limited, calling into question its being called a lantern. Instead, this object likely functioned as a lighted marker for use at night. Lanterns, in contrast, were typically constructed with glass panes that allowed light to pass through.
