Antique English Maritime Lantern "Meteorite 50811" by Meteorite Lamp Co.

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Antique Maritime Lantern "Meteorite 50811" by Meteorite Lamp Co., Painted Metal with Fresnel Lens, circa 1920s–30s

Height: 25.5" with handle … Read more Antique Maritime Lantern "Meteorite 50811" by Meteorite Lamp Co., Painted Metal with Fresnel Lens, circa 1920s–30s

Height: 25.5" with handle extended, 21" to top of lantern Diameter: 13" Base: 10.5" diameter

A striking antique maritime lantern from the Meteorite Lamp Company, England, bearing its original maker's crest and brass plaque marked “METEORITE 50811.” This large-scale lantern is constructed from durable metal and finished in a faux copper paint that has developed a rich, distressed patina with appealing wear and surface texture from years of use.

The lantern features a thick, clear Fresnel-style lens, designed to amplify and project light efficiently over long distances at sea. The lens is enclosed within a protective metal cage and accessed via hinged doors at the top and front. The piece remains unwired and without current illumination, preserving its integrity as a collectible artifact. It was originally oil- or kerosene-lit using a removable burner chamber, typical of early 20th-century ship lighting.

The interior reveals aged galvanized metalwork, venting chambers, and the original burner housing. The lantern includes its sturdy locking bail handle for carrying or suspension, as well as a loop handle at the base, used historically for lashing the lantern down in rough seas or inverting it when space or conditions required.

Condition:

Displays a distressed finish with age-appropriate paint loss, scuffs, and oxidation throughout. The Fresnel glass lens shows minor chipping along the edges but is otherwise intact. Structurally sound and stable, with no repairs or major damage. A compelling object in as-found, authentic condition.

Dimensions:
Height with handle extended: 25.5 in.
Height to top of lantern: 21 in.
Diameter: 13 in.
Base: 10.5 in.

A sculptural and evocative example of early 20th-century maritime design—perfect for collectors of nautical artifacts, vintage industrial décor, or statement lighting projects See less