Posted 10 years ago
Nobody77
(5 items)
I think this is basically a typical Handlan lantern in the center with an extension on each side. It is marked Hanlan, St. Louis on the top, I see no other markings (although I don't know where to look). There are mirrors within each extension so the light from the light source will illuminate each lens. There are two lenses on each side. I have not been able to find any information on this or another one like it.
Any ideas from the experts?
Thanks!
I believe it is a Railroad Hand Lantern For different signals.
Actually it's a Train Order signal not a hand lantern.
Thanks for the comments! Any other information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. In searching the internet I can find nothing else quite like it as far as the unusual shape goes. I'm not really interested in the value, mostly date, model and maybe the basic history of this model. I work at a museum and know very little about this subject, so any information provided may be used on a label or text panel.
Your lantern is pictured in Railroad Collectibles (A Price Guide) by Howard Johnson A small paperback book Copyright Dec. 1973 the revised 1986 edition on page 10. It is attributed to the Pennsylvania Railroad and is very early. We actually saw one in person about 25 years ago in person at a railroad show. They are very rare. Hope this helps. (the book may be available on ebay or amazon)
The book refers to it as a Double Track signal light.