Posted 14 years ago
brooksworks
(26 items)
LS&MS Ry fixed globe BTBB Bonnell & Gridley lantern made in Buffalo, NY around 1869. Flashed ruby globe with cast letters LS&MSRy is similar to Kelly-style globes. This lantern is an early predecessor to the "Prince" model made by successor Buffalo Steam Gauge & Lantern Co. The "Prince" featured a hinged cage, allowing the globe to be removed.
LS&MS = Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, right?
I have an extensive collection of LS&MS railroad lanterns including a brass tagged inspectors lantaern marked LS&MS. I have been looking for a lantern of this vintage for about 5 years. Have not found one yet. This one is absolutely beautiful. I live in Ashtabula Ohio, which is the home of the infamous LS&MS Railroad disaster. There are still artifacts to be found around the old disaster site which myself and other collectors still dig.
I have two of these:)
Do you know any of the history of your lantern?
My lantern has two manufacturer's hallmarks on the underside of the base, one that reads "Bonnell & Gridley MAKERS Buffalo, NY", and another that reads "PATENTED May 28 1867". B&G was only in business under that name for three years or so. Successor Parmelee & Bonnell made the flip cage model "Prince" that is pictured elsewhere on this site. My LS&MS Prince has an 1874 patent date stamped into the side of the chimney cylinder.