Patent Model of Marine Signal Lantern, 1863
Add to SetSummary
This marine lantern was designed to burn oil. An opaque metal shade could be moved to expose and block its glow. Moveable red and green glass shades are its most innovative feature, which served two purposes. They allowed the lantern to act as a communications device, to send messages between ships--and as an anchor light, to avoid collisions between vessels.
This marine lantern was designed to burn oil. An opaque metal shade could be moved to expose and block its glow. Moveable red and green glass shades are its most innovative feature, which served two purposes. They allowed the lantern to act as a communications device, to send messages between ships--and as an anchor light, to avoid collisions between vessels.
Artifact
Model (Patent)
Date Made
1863
Subject Date
21 July 1863
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
26.160.26
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Smithsonian Institution
Material
Tin (Metal)
Glass (Material)
Dimensions
Height: 15.5 in
Diameter: 7.25 in
Inscriptions
Patent tag reads: NO. 39302 / J.J. MINER / SIGNAL LANTERN / PATENTED JULY 21st / 1863.
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