Candle Lantern, 1750-1800
THF174399 / Candle Lantern, 1750-1800
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Artifact Overview
Until the 19th century, tinsmiths manufactured virtually all tinware by hand, using a wide range of specialized tools. Tin (actually tin-plated iron) was a stiff but pliable material, shaped by cutting, bending, crimping, hammering, and soldering joints together. The tinsmith who made this lantern applied a resin coating to produce a dark finish and inserted panes of thin, translucent animal horn for windows.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Candle lantern
Date Made
1750-1800
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
00.1012.4
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Tin (Metal)
Horn (Animal material)
Wax
Technique
Japanning
Color
Black (Color)
White (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 14.5 in
Diameter: 5.5 in
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Related Content
SetTinware
- 11 Artifacts
Tin-plated iron, commonly called "tin," was the dominant material for utilitarian items in 19th-century America. It was lightweight, inexpensive, easy to clean, non-toxic, and durable. Tinware resisted corrosion and had a pleasing silvery appearance that could be enhanced through decoration. Middle-class Americans happily purchased tinware in place of equivalent housewares made from earlier materials like wood or pottery.