This is a kerosene signal lamp from the American Civil War. It is 6 1/2" tall, 3 1/4" in diameter and has a 2 3/4" Bullseye glass in the front. It is made of tin and has been japanned black. There is a manual lever that slides a tin shutter open and closed between the burner and the lens. The inverted, cone shaped, scalloped top serves as a vent for the hot air and smoke from the kerosene. The front of the lamp has a door with the glass lens in it to project a light beam from the kerosene burner. The door is held closed by a small metal clip still in working order. On the back of the lamp are two small wire handles, along with a belt loop. These little lamps were the "flashlights" of the period. They were handy for sentries, pickets and for camp use. A small lamp identical to this one was recovered with the CS Hunley. Apparently they were useful in Naval navigation and night operations too! Cool little piece of Civil War history that would look great in your collection.

Item # AA1167

(Sold)