Vintage Industrial Yellow Bullseye Signal Lantern with Red Glass Lenses, 1940s

Details

Description

A characterful vintage industrial signal lantern constructed from heavy-gauge metal and retaining its wonderfully distressed original yellow-painted finish.

the compact … Read more A characterful vintage industrial signal lantern constructed from heavy-gauge metal and retaining its wonderfully distressed original yellow-painted finish.

the compact rectangular body is surmounted by a curved roof and large integral carrying handle, giving the lantern the robust, functional appearance associated with historic road, railway and industrial signalling equipment.

two prominent circular red bullseye glass lenses dominate the front, each mounted within a substantial metal surround. Bullseye lenses were specifically designed to concentrate and project light, allowing a strong coloured signal to remain visible at a distance.

the lantern would originally have accommodated a candle, oil burner or similar internal light source, accessed through the hinged side panel.

decades of use have created extensive surface wear, losses to the yellow paint, oxidation and patination across the metalwork. Rather than detracting from the piece, this gives it an exceptionally authentic industrial character and makes each surface visually distinctive.

with its vivid yellow body, deep red lenses and sculptural curved handle, the lantern now works particularly well as a decorative object within industrial, loft, contemporary or eclectic interiors. It would also appeal to collectors of vintage transportation, signalling and engineering equipment.

no visible manufacturer's markings have been identified.

product details

maker: unknown
date: circa 1940s–1960s
period: mid-20th century
origin: unknown
style: industrial
material: painted steel/metal and red moulded glass

condition

good vintage condition with substantial age-related paint loss, surface oxidation, scratches and patination consistent with its original utilitarian use.

measurements

height: approximately 10 in. (25 cm), including handle
width: approximately 5 in. (13 cm)
depth: approximately 5 in. (13 cm)
up to 250v (europe/uk standard).the wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less