Vintage Railroad Lanterns, Lamps & Lenses

In the early days of railroads, operating after dark was a difficult and dangerous proposition. The lights they had available to use as locomotive headlights, switch signal lights, to direct and inspect the trains, and to direct and sort passengers, luggage, and cargo in train yards were generally "dead flame" whale oil lamps and lanterns. Dead flame lanterns rely on convection to bring fresh air inside the lantern globe around the bottom, and the globes and air intakes are shaped to guide airflow around the flame. This design helps to prevent the wind from blowing out the flame, as it is sitting in the middle in "dead" air, but it does not cast a bright light. The glass globes on these early railroad lanterns were fixed to the fuel font, making access to the burner and wick area difficult.

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Antique, vintage Dietz No. 2 D-Lite railroad or barn kerosene lantern Bid Now » Buy Now »

Antique, vintage Dietz No. 2 D-Lite railroad or barn kerosene lantern

Bid: $16.95
Buy: $22.95
$13.00 $29.95
58 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Lima, OH, USA ZIP 45805
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $13.00
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: cpe321   Feedback: 162 / 99.4%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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Dietz Model T / Caboose (?) Red Tail Lantern • GREAT Condition! Bid Now »

Dietz Model T / Caboose (?) Red Tail Lantern • GREAT Condition!

Bid: $50.00
$10.00 $60.00
58 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Holliston, MA, USA ZIP 01746
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $10.00
  • Handling Time: 4 business days
  • Seller: jasonbrockert   Feedback: 48 / 100%
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Vintage Railroad Lamps Chicago North Shore/Milwaukee Bid Now »

Vintage Railroad Lamps Chicago North Shore/Milwaukee

Bid: $99.99
$15.00 $114.99
1 hr
11 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Conover, WI, USA ZIP 54519
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $15.00
  • Handling Time: 5 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: jam3635   Feedback: 224 / 100%
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T. & N.O. R.R. SHORT RAILROAD LANTERN CIRCLE K CLEAR GLOBE Bid Now »

T. & N.O. R.R. SHORT RAILROAD LANTERN CIRCLE K CLEAR GLOBE

Bid: $23.00
$5.95 $28.95
1 hr
12 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Apollo Beach, FL, USA ZIP 33572
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $5.95
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: grayfox1934   Feedback: 220 / 100%
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* SWITCH / MARKER LAMP GASKETS 4" (4) SET * Buy Now »

New * SWITCH / MARKER LAMP GASKETS 4" (4) SET * for sale* SWITCH / MARKER LAMP GASKETS 4" (4) SET *

Buy: $10.00 $2.00 $12.00
1 hr
13 mins
  • Item Condition: New
  • Item Location: Evansville, IN, USA ZIP 47711
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $2.00
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: lanternexpress   Feedback: 7,878 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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mo-pac Missouri Pacific RR Handlan St Louis railroad switch light - lantern Buy Now »

mo-pac Missouri Pacific RR Handlan St Louis railroad switch light - lantern

Buy: $209.00 Based on Zip $209.00
Plus shipping
1 hr
16 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Everett, WA, USA ZIP 98208
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: odea60   Feedback: 1,758 / 100%
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Vintage Dietz NYC Lines Railroad Lantern Embossed Clear Globe New York Central Bid Now »

Vintage Dietz NYC Lines Railroad Lantern Embossed Clear Globe New York Central

Bid: $25.00
$11.00 $36.00
1 hr
26 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Becket, MA, USA ZIP 01223
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $11.00
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Seller: outmyway271   Feedback: 221 / 97.6%
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Early 1907 New York Central Railroad Lantern Nice Embossed Globe Bid Now »

Early 1907 New York Central Railroad Lantern Nice Embossed Globe

Bid: $49.99
$12.00 $61.99
1 hr
34 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: New Milford, CT, USA ZIP 06776
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $12.00
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: bobkay99   Feedback: 6,816 / 99.9%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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General Signal 5 3/8" Lexan/Plexiglass Fresnel Lense Bid Now »

General Signal 5 3/8" Lexan/Plexiglass Fresnel Lense

Bid: $20.00
Based on Zip $20.00
Plus shipping
1 hr
37 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Mason, WV, USA ZIP 25260
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: hankhill1450   Feedback: 26 / 100%
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VINTAGE B AND M DIETZ VESTA RAILROAD LANTERN Bid Now »

VINTAGE B AND M DIETZ VESTA RAILROAD LANTERN

Bid: $20.00
$11.00 $31.00
1 hr
39 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Becket, MA, USA ZIP 01223
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $11.00
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Seller: outmyway271   Feedback: 221 / 97.6%
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ATLANTIC COAST LINE.  RAILROAD  LANTERN CAST TALL GLOBE Bid Now »

ATLANTIC COAST LINE. RAILROAD LANTERN CAST TALL GLOBE

Bid: $149.99
$15.00 $164.99
1 hr
48 mins
VINTAGE A.S & CO. RAILROAD LANTERN 3 COLOR RED AND GREEN AND CLEAR Bid Now »

VINTAGE A.S & CO. RAILROAD LANTERN 3 COLOR RED AND GREEN AND CLEAR

Bid: $9.99
$15.00 $24.99
1 hr
58 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Imperial Beach, CA, USA ZIP 91932
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $15.00
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: originalpicker   Feedback: 479 / 99.3%
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Beautiful Working Vintage Handlan Red Globe Railroad Lamp St. Louis Missouri Bid Now »

Beautiful Working Vintage Handlan Red Globe Railroad Lamp St. Louis Missouri

Bid: $14.99
Based on Zip $14.99
Plus shipping
2 hrs
5 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Bayville, NY, USA ZIP 11709
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: anthony11709   Feedback: 384 / 99.4%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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Vintage Antique Luck-E-Lite Contractor railroad lantern No. 225 Warsaw red globe Bid Now »

Vintage Antique Luck-E-Lite Contractor railroad lantern No. 225 Warsaw red globe

Bid: $13.50
$12.95 $26.45
2 hrs
11 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Colorado Springs, CO, USA ZIP 80915
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $12.95
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: hunterace0   Feedback: 2,711 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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C.R.R. of  N.J. TALL ETCHED RAILROAD LANTERN  CLEAR GLOBE Bid Now »

C.R.R. of N.J. TALL ETCHED RAILROAD LANTERN CLEAR GLOBE

Bid: $18.50
$5.95 $24.45
2 hrs
19 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Apollo Beach, FL, USA ZIP 33572
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $5.95
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: grayfox1934   Feedback: 220 / 100%
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*VINTAGE ADLAKE NON-SWEATING RAILROAD LANTERN YELLOW LENS FROM DURHAM ENGLAND* Buy Now »

*VINTAGE ADLAKE NON-SWEATING RAILROAD LANTERN YELLOW LENS FROM DURHAM ENGLAND*

Buy: $79.99 Based on Zip $79.99
Plus shipping
2 hrs
22 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Grand Haven, MI, USA ZIP 49417
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: gmansgold   Feedback: 2,326 / 100%
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2 Antique Railroad Lanterns Buy Now »

2 Antique Railroad Lanterns

Buy: $125.00 $30.00 $155.00
2 hrs
24 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Marblehead, MA, USA ZIP 01945
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $30.00
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: curiouscave   Feedback: 829 / 100%
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Vintage! 3 Clear Glass Railroad Latern Shades -Amazing! Buy Now »

Vintage! 3 Clear Glass Railroad Latern Shades -Amazing!

Buy: $19.99 $12.00 $31.99
2 hrs
51 mins
  • Item Location: Chicago, IL, USA ZIP 60625
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $12.00
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: thepenndutchman   Feedback: 6,407 / 99.6%
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Vintage WMRy Western Maryland Railway Lantern - Red Etched Globe - Dietz Bid Now »

Vintage WMRy Western Maryland Railway Lantern - Red Etched Globe - Dietz

Bid: $219.99
$11.00 $230.99
2 hrs
52 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Fairfax, VA, USA ZIP 22032
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $11.00
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: pandaman38   Feedback: 14,788 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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Vintage Winged Wheel No. 350 Red Kerosene Lantern 7.5 inches tall Railroad Lamp Buy Now »
Free Shipping

Vintage Winged Wheel No. 350 Red Kerosene Lantern 7.5 inches tall Railroad Lamp

Buy: $29.99 Free $29.99 2 hrs
54 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: North Highlands, CA, USA ZIP 95660
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: brettf1430   Feedback: 504 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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Vintage KOPP Railroad Lantern Globe Orange Bid Now » Buy Now »

Vintage KOPP Railroad Lantern Globe Orange

Bid: $39.99
Buy: $49.99
Based on Zip $39.99
Plus shipping
2 hrs
57 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Canada ZIP P1B5T8
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: trinkets2000   Feedback: 4,160 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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ALADDIN MODEL 12 OIL LAMP~CROME BRACKET/WALL~CABOOSE OIL WALL LANTERN/LAMP Buy Now »

ALADDIN MODEL 12 OIL LAMP ~ CROME BRACKET/WALL ~ CABOOSE OIL WALL LANTERN/LAMP

Buy: $99.99 Based on Zip $99.99
Plus shipping
3 hrs
15 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Thief River Falls, MN, USA ZIP 56701
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 5 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: jrstonecastle   Feedback: 1,651 / 100%
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Dietz Monarch Fitzall New York USA Lantern Buy Now »

Dietz Monarch Fitzall New York USA Lantern

Buy: $49.00 $11.75 $60.75
3 hrs
20 mins
  • Item Location: Piscataway, NJ, USA ZIP 08854
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $11.75
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: mudbit   Feedback: 638 / 99.1%
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ALADDIN NU-TYPE MODEL B OIL LAMP~ BRACKET/WALL~CABOOSE WALL LANTERN/LAMP Buy Now »

ALADDIN NU-TYPE MODEL B OIL LAMP ~ BRACKET/WALL ~ CABOOSE WALL LANTERN/LAMP

Buy: $99.99 Based on Zip $99.99
Plus shipping
3 hrs
22 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Thief River Falls, MN, USA ZIP 56701
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 5 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: jrstonecastle   Feedback: 1,651 / 100%
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N.Y.N.H.&H. Brakeman's Lantern Bid Now »

N.Y.N.H.&H. Brakeman's Lantern

Bid: $15.00
Based on Zip $15.00
Plus shipping
3 hrs
33 mins
  • Item Location: Greenfield, MA, USA ZIP 01301
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Seller: ma2727   Feedback: 43 / 100%
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Vintage Kerosene Railroad Lantern from Germany Firehand Superbaby #175 Bid Now »

Vintage Kerosene Railroad Lantern from Germany Firehand Superbaby #175

Bid: $9.95
$15.00 $24.95
3 hrs
36 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Belleville, NJ, USA ZIP 07109
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $15.00
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Seller: jckks   Feedback: 329 / 100%
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Dietz Fitzall Feuerhand Nr 257 Lantern 1914 Bid Now »

Dietz Fitzall Feuerhand Nr 257 Lantern 1914

Bid: $24.99
$9.00 $33.99
3 hrs
45 mins
  • Item Location: McHenry, IL, USA ZIP 60050
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $9.00
  • Handling Time: 4 business days
  • Seller: yellowcasey   Feedback: 189 / 0%
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UNION PACIFIC RR VINTAGE TOBACCO SPIT JUG "REPRODUCTION" *** Bid Now »

UNION PACIFIC RR VINTAGE TOBACCO SPIT JUG "REPRODUCTION" ***

Bid: $12.00
$16.90 $28.90
4 hrs
12 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Hacienda Heights, CA, USA ZIP 91745
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $16.90
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: yankii2   Feedback: 50 / 100%
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RUBY RED NEW YORK CENTRAL RR LANTERN Bid Now »

RUBY RED NEW YORK CENTRAL RR LANTERN

Bid: $76.00
Based on Zip $76.00
Plus shipping
4 hrs
40 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Lebanon, ME, USA ZIP 04027
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: spedhead16   Feedback: 20 / 100%
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old justrite RAILROAD LANTERN Bid Now »

old justrite RAILROAD LANTERN

Bid: $9.99
$10.00 $19.99
4 hrs
44 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: New Orleans, LA, USA ZIP 70117
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $10.00
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Seller: centscerely   Feedback: 1,157 / 99.5%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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EMBURY No. 2 AIR PILOT LANTERN Bid Now »

EMBURY No. 2 AIR PILOT LANTERN

Bid: $35.00
$15.00 $50.00
5 hrs
3 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Turlock, CA, USA ZIP 95380
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $15.00
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: romyswife Feedback: 9 / 100%
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Vintage Railroad RR Lantern Kopp Amber Lens 5.5 .5FID a Buy Now »

Vintage Railroad RR Lantern Kopp Amber Lens 5.5 .5FID a

Buy: $24.99 $8.86 $33.85
5 hrs
12 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Sparks, NV, USA ZIP 89431
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $8.86
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: west_tech   Feedback: 5,652 / 99.9%
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Vintage Railroad RR Lantern Kopp Amber Lens 5.5 .5FID c Buy Now »

Vintage Railroad RR Lantern Kopp Amber Lens 5.5 .5FID c

Buy: $19.99 $8.86 $28.85
5 hrs
12 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Sparks, NV, USA ZIP 89431
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $8.86
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: west_tech   Feedback: 5,652 / 99.9%
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VINTAGE PENNSYLVANIA R.R. KEROSENE ROAD FLARE TORCH LANTERN Bid Now » Buy Now »

VINTAGE PENNSYLVANIA R.R. KEROSENE ROAD FLARE TORCH LANTERN

Bid: $44.99
Buy: $75.00
Based on Zip $44.99
Plus shipping
5 hrs
35 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Cleveland, OH, USA ZIP 44119
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 5 business days
  • Seller: imdear   Feedback: 1,365 / 99.3%
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Adlake non sweating railroad marker light Bid Now »

Adlake non sweating railroad marker light

Bid: $75.00
$49.57 $124.57
6 hrs
33 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Memphis, TN, USA ZIP 38117
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $49.57
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: sftmi61   Feedback: 304 / 100%
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Vintage Dietz - Little Wizard Lantern - N.Y. U.S.A. Bid Now »

Vintage Dietz - Little Wizard Lantern - N.Y. U.S.A.

Bid: $4.95
$12.00 $16.95
6 hrs
44 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Fraser, MI, USA ZIP 48026
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $12.00
  • Handling Time: 5 business days
  • Seller: crackskickz402   Feedback: 23 / 100%
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BOSTON AND MAINE RAILROAD ELECTRIC SEMAPHOR LAMP SIGNAL LIGHT BOSTON GRAY Bid Now »

BOSTON AND MAINE RAILROAD ELECTRIC SEMAPHOR LAMP SIGNAL LIGHT BOSTON GRAY

Bid: $100.00
Based on Zip $100.00
Plus shipping
7 hrs
4 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Middlefield, OH, USA ZIP 44062
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: madisyn444   Feedback: 250 / 100%
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BALDWIN LOCO WORKS LAMP LANTERN EARLY 1900's BRASS LOCOMOTIVE RAILRAOD TRAIN Bid Now »

BALDWIN LOCO WORKS LAMP LANTERN EARLY 1900's BRASS LOCOMOTIVE RAILRAOD TRAIN

Bid: $156.99
$11.00 $167.99
7 hrs
17 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Chagrin Falls, OH, USA ZIP 44023
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $11.00
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: raaphds   Feedback: 13,526 / 99.9%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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NEW YORK CENTRAL DRESSEL RAILROAD TRAIN ORDER SIGNAL LAMP N.Y.C. RARE Bid Now »

NEW YORK CENTRAL DRESSEL RAILROAD TRAIN ORDER SIGNAL LAMP N.Y.C. RARE

Bid: $127.50
Based on Zip $127.50
Plus shipping
7 hrs
18 mins
Antique "Adlake" carriage/ railroad signal lantern or lamp Bid Now »

Antique "Adlake" carriage/ railroad signal lantern or lamp

Bid: $19.50
$14.95 $34.45
7 hrs
21 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Gig Harbor, WA, USA ZIP 98332
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $14.95
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 4 business days
  • Seller: lieben50   Feedback: 1,658 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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Original - RR Lantern - Glass Candy Container - L@@K!! Buy Now »
Free Shipping

Original - RR Lantern - Glass Candy Container - L@@K!!

Buy: $35.00 Free $35.00
7 hrs
23 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Wellington, NV, USA ZIP 89444
  • Shipping Type: Free
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: hardhar   Feedback: 1,700 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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VINTAGE P&R Ry RAILROAD LANTERN WITH BLUE MARKED GLOBE Bid Now »

VINTAGE P&R Ry RAILROAD LANTERN WITH BLUE MARKED GLOBE

Bid: $70.00
$10.00 $80.00
7 hrs
28 mins
  • Item Location: Riverside, NJ, USA ZIP 08075
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $10.00
  • Handling Time: 4 business days
  • Seller: rambler718   Feedback: 130 / 100%
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DIETZ Lantern - Syracuse New York USA - Small - Beautiful Shape Buy Now »

DIETZ Lantern - Syracuse New York USA - Small - Beautiful Shape

Buy: $88.00 $14.00 $102.00
7 hrs
36 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Middlesex, NJ, USA ZIP 08846
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $14.00
  • Handling Time: 5 business days
  • Seller: jac160   Feedback: 576 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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VINTAGE ALADDIN RAILROAD CABOOSE OIL LAMP HANGING BRACKET "NEW" Bid Now »

VINTAGE ALADDIN RAILROAD CABOOSE OIL LAMP HANGING BRACKET "NEW"

Bid: $44.99
Based on Zip $44.99
Plus shipping
7 hrs
38 mins
** Railroad  American Railways Switch Key Directory reproduced Buy Now »

** Railroad American Railways Switch Key Directory reproduced

Buy: $11.00 $2.50 $13.50
7 hrs
44 mins
  • Item Location: Los Gatos, CA, USA ZIP 95032
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $2.50
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: trainbag   Feedback: 701 / 100%
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Vintage Dietz Monarch NY Tubular Railroad Barn Lantern Fitzall Ruby Red Glass Buy Now »

Vintage Dietz Monarch NY Tubular Railroad Barn Lantern Fitzall Ruby Red Glass

Buy: $29.99 $11.80 $41.79
7 hrs
46 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Skokie, IL, USA ZIP 60077
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $11.80
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: tntgem   Feedback: 3,764 / 99.8%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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FIVE RAILROAD SIGNAL LIGHT CONNECTORS. 12 VOLT Bid Now »

FIVE RAILROAD SIGNAL LIGHT CONNECTORS. 12 VOLT

Bid: $14.99
$5.35 $20.34
7 hrs
58 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Baldwin Park, CA, USA ZIP 91706
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $5.35
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Seller: casamontes   Feedback: 866 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
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6 Position Terminal Strip -- #14-24 x 1.125" Studs Buy Now »
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New 6 Position Terminal Strip -- #14-24 x 1.125" Studs for sale6 Position Terminal Strip -- #14-24 x 1.125" Studs

Buy: $4.50 Free $4.50 8 hrs
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  • Item Condition: New
  • Item Location: Victor, NY, USA ZIP 14564
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Vintage Dietz NY "Little Wizard" Lantern Buy Now »

Vintage Dietz NY "Little Wizard" Lantern

Buy: $29.00 Based on Zip $29.00
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8 hrs
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  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Ontario, CA, USA ZIP 91761
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Antique Handlan St Louis railroad train caboose lantern or lamp,Red,very good Buy Now »

Antique Handlan St Louis railroad train caboose lantern or lamp,Red,very good

Buy: $600.00 $25.00 $625.00
8 hrs
27 mins
  • Item Location: Monroeville, PA, USA ZIP 15146
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  • Shipping Cost: $25.00
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In the middle of the 19th century, several innovations took place in lighting technology. Dietz and Company patented a flat wick lantern burner designed to burn kerosene in 1859. Although the railroad industry continued to use lamps and lanterns burning signal oil for some time afterward, the arrival of kerosene presaged future use of the fuel in later railroad lanterns. In 1868, John Irwin received the patent for his "hot blast" type lantern, a design that diverted exhaust gas back down tubes on the sides of the lantern to direct a mix of fresh and hot air at the flame, making it burn brighter. That same year, Dietz & Smith began producing their first hot blast lanterns. In 1874, Irwin patented a similar "cold blast" type lantern, which was designed to force cold, fresh air at the flame, making it burn even brighter than the previous "hot blast" design. By that time, a number of companies were producing lanterns and signal lamps for the railroad industry, including the Buffalo Steam Gauge and Lantern Company and Adams and Westlake, commonly known as Adlake.

Because there were a large number of lantern manufacturers serving the diverse needs of the railroad companies, many different types of lanterns and lamps were produced over the years. An early innovation was to make the globe removable, allowing easier access to service the burner and wick, and allowing for easy replacement of broken globes. The fixed globe lanterns were replaced by tall globe lanterns with red, cobalt blue, green, amber, and clear globes. The different colors were used for signaling and to mark the end of a train, or a train that was stopped because it was being worked on. Different arm motions and color combinations could allow a switch operator or ground man to tell the engineer of a train to stop, slow down, proceed with caution, or could alert him that the train had parted. Track switches and train yards had signal lamps that were designed with lenses to direct different colors of light in different directions, analogous to modern day automobile traffic lights.

Some lanterns were designed for very specific roles in the railroad industry. Conductor's lanterns were generally larger and more ornate than the ones used by engineers and brakemen. The traveling public expected a dignified and well dressed conductor, and a dented and rusty old lantern would not fit the image as well as a shiny brass conductor's lantern throwing a bright light. Particularly fancy ones, called presentation lanterns, were handed out on special occasions and to particularly valued employees.

Railroad inspectors, sometimes called trackwalkers, had bright lanterns designed with a reflective case and lens, made to focus as much light as possible in a small area. They had to check the trains for cracked wheels or axles, damaged couplers, and ensure proper lubrication and maintenance activities were performed on locomotives and rolling stock. The bright light of the Dietz Acme hot blast lantern and the Dietz Ideal cold blast lantern served railroad inspectors for decades.

These signal oil lanterns gave way to kerosene lanterns, and lamp design changed again to accommodate the new fuel. Short globe railroad lanterns of the early 20th century continued in production and use until late in the 20th century, so many fine examples can be found. Though they were shorter, the brighter kerosene flame, sometimes focused using a fresnel lens, was still as useful as long globe lanterns, and for the rail industry represented a far cheaper and more reliable source of portable lighting than electric lights. The same basic designs are still sold and used today to provide lighting in areas with no electricity and in emergencies such as hurricanes.

Collectors looking for antique and vintage railroad lanterns with markings from railroad and traction companies can find new opportunities to buy these historic marker lanterns, semaphore lanterns and switch lamps here daily. For more collectible RR lanterns, visit Vintage Railroad Lanterns, where you can find lamps from Embury, Dressel, Handlan, C.T. Ham and S.G. & L. Co. appear for sale regularly, along with many other railroad lanterns from turn of the century metal shops.

For more information on the various types of lamps and lanterns used on trains and around railroad yards, visit the Railroad Lamps Web Page and the Railroad Lanterns Web Page at Railroadiana Online, where they also have a special section devoted to railroad Inspector's Lanterns. For definitions of the terms used in describing vintage lantern and lamp parts, visit the Lamp Guild. Collectors interested in other antique lanterns and lamps click here!

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