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.


Subcategories:
Auctions Buy It Now All
Enter Zip or Post Code for shipping:
8,199 itemsPriceShippingTotalTime Left
Unused Dietz Lantern No. 40 Traffic Gard Syracuse NY USA Red Globe Original Buy Now »

Unused Dietz Lantern No. 40 Traffic Gard Syracuse NY USA Red Globe Original

Buy: $79.00 Ships:
$19.99
$98.99
Buy now
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Ventura, CA, USA ZIP 930**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $19.99
  • Handling Time: 5 business days
  • Seller: superbantiquesetc   Feedback: 3,298 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from superbantiquesetc
Vintage Dietz Monarch New York NY USA Lantern Fitzall Red Globe 13.5" Railroad Buy Now »

Vintage Dietz Monarch New York NY USA Lantern Fitzall Red Globe 13.5" Railroad

Buy: $50.40 Ships:
$22.00
$72.40
Buy now
8 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Sebring, FL, USA ZIP 338**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $22.00
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Seller: treasurehunters47   Feedback: 4,136 / 99.9%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from treasurehunters47
JR buckboard wagon Lantern  has new filler cap included Buy Now »

JR buckboard wagon Lantern has new filler cap included

Buy: $235.00 Ships:
$20.00
$255.00
Buy now
10 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Dickson, TN, USA ZIP 370**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $20.00
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: gcreichard   Feedback: 8,684 / 98.9%
  • See other items for sale from gcreichard
Vintage Railway/Railroad Lantern C.N.R. Lantern Buy Now »

Vintage Railway/Railroad Lantern C.N.R. Lantern

Buy: $118.24 Ships:
$25.87
$144.11
Buy now
20 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Canada ZIP R5H1A7
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $25.87
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Seller: skinnypete247   Feedback: 3,588 / 99.8%
  • See other items for sale from skinnypete247
Railroad Car Inspectors Lamp Star Head Light & Lantern NYCS NYC-S Clear Globe Buy Now »

Railroad Car Inspectors Lamp Star Head Light & Lantern NYCS NYC-S Clear Globe

Buy: $150.00 Ships:
Based on Zip
$150.00
Plus shipping
Buy now
28 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Sellersville, PA, USA ZIP 189**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: the_rusty_hoe   Feedback: 1,350 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from the_rusty_hoe
Rare Dietz No. 2 Blizzard beautiful lantern made in 1896 in near mint condition Buy Now »

Rare Dietz No. 2 Blizzard beautiful lantern made in 1896 in near mint condition

Buy: $225.00 Ships:
$25.00
$250.00
Buy now
30 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Dickson, TN, USA ZIP 370**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $25.00
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: gcreichard   Feedback: 8,684 / 98.9%
  • See other items for sale from gcreichard
antique Dietz 870 syracuse NY USA car headlight kit bulbs fuses holder RARE auto Buy Now »

antique Dietz 870 syracuse NY USA car headlight kit bulbs fuses holder RARE auto

Buy: $92.05 Ships:
Based on Zip
$92.05
Plus shipping
Buy now
31 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Sweet, ID, USA ZIP 836**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: sorrellridge   Feedback: 5,404 / 100%
  • See other items for sale from sorrellridge
Dietz No.39 Lantern Red Glass Steel Clad New York Etched Glass 🔥 CITY NY 🔥 Buy Now »

Dietz No.39 Lantern Red Glass Steel Clad New York Etched Glass 🔥 CITY NY 🔥

Buy: $189.00 Ships:
$20.00
$209.00
Buy now
32 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Hackettstown, NJ, USA ZIP 078**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $20.00
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: dafi_8189   Feedback: 159 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from dafi_8189
Adlake Kero NYCS railroad Lantern New York Central Station Signal Fresnel Globe Buy Now »

Adlake Kero NYCS railroad Lantern New York Central Station Signal Fresnel Globe

Buy: $99.95 Ships:
Based on Zip
$99.95
Plus shipping
Buy now
46 mins
  • Item Condition:
  • Item Location: Oxford, PA, USA ZIP 193**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: weavingmill   Feedback: 9,019 / 99.5%
  • See other items for sale from weavingmill
Dietz Vintage Monarch Railroad Lantern Bid Now »

Dietz Vintage Monarch Railroad Lantern

Bid: $1.25
Ships:
$14.07
$15.32
51 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Buford, GA, USA ZIP 305**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $14.07
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Seller: trainz   Feedback: 612,707 / 99.7%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from trainz
Union Switch & Signal, US & S co. Railroad Train Signal Light ( Electrified ) Buy Now »

Union Switch & Signal, US & S co. Railroad Train Signal Light ( Electrified )

Buy: $349.99 Ships:
Based on Zip
$349.99
Plus shipping
Buy now
1 hr
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: What Cheer, IA, USA ZIP 502**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: country_01   Feedback: 1,298 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from country_01
Rare Antique Buhl Conquest # 0 Lantern & Original Clear Globe Buy Now »

Rare Antique Buhl Conquest # 0 Lantern & Original Clear Globe

Buy: $150.00 Ships:
Based on Zip
$150.00
Plus shipping
Buy now
1 hr
3 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: What Cheer, IA, USA ZIP 502**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: country_01   Feedback: 1,298 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from country_01
Simmone Liberty S.H.Co USA lantern clear globe Buy Now »

Simmone Liberty S.H.Co USA lantern clear globe

Buy: $95.00 Ships:
Based on Zip
$95.00
Plus shipping
Buy now
1 hr
6 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: What Cheer, IA, USA ZIP 502**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: country_01   Feedback: 1,298 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from country_01
Buhl Majestic No. 475 buggy lantern clear globe 15 inch Buy Now »

Buhl Majestic No. 475 buggy lantern clear globe 15 inch

Buy: $129.99 Ships:
Based on Zip
$129.99
Plus shipping
Buy now
1 hr
7 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: What Cheer, IA, USA ZIP 502**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: country_01   Feedback: 1,298 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from country_01
Farwell Ozmun & Kirk & Co. St Paul No.2 Triumph Red Lantern Buy Now »

Farwell Ozmun & Kirk & Co. St Paul No.2 Triumph Red Lantern

Buy: $94.99 Ships:
Based on Zip
$94.99
Plus shipping
Buy now
1 hr
8 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: What Cheer, IA, USA ZIP 502**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: country_01   Feedback: 1,298 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from country_01
Dietz City of Milwaukee Lantern Red Globe (Frosted Letter City of Milwaukee)Rare Buy Now »

Dietz City of Milwaukee Lantern Red Globe (Frosted Letter City of Milwaukee)Rare

Buy: $329.99 Ships:
Based on Zip
$329.99
Plus shipping
Buy now
1 hr
8 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: What Cheer, IA, USA ZIP 502**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: country_01   Feedback: 1,298 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from country_01
Farwell Ozmun , Kirk & Co St Paul No. 1 Little Defiance Lantern Buy Now »

Farwell Ozmun , Kirk & Co St Paul No. 1 Little Defiance Lantern

Buy: $74.99 Ships:
Based on Zip
$74.99
Plus shipping
Buy now
1 hr
9 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: What Cheer, IA, USA ZIP 502**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: country_01   Feedback: 1,298 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from country_01
Adams & Westlake Co S.P. Co (Souther Pacific) lantern Adlake-Kero 4-40 Canada Buy Now »

Adams & Westlake Co S.P. Co (Souther Pacific) lantern Adlake-Kero 4-40 Canada

Buy: $124.99 Ships:
Based on Zip
$124.99
Plus shipping
Buy now
1 hr
11 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: What Cheer, IA, USA ZIP 502**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: country_01   Feedback: 1,298 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from country_01
Vintage Kopp Glass GREEN Railroad/ Traffic lens 4 3/4" Signal Lamp Lantern Train Buy Now »

Vintage Kopp Glass GREEN Railroad/ Traffic lens 4 3/4" Signal Lamp Lantern Train

Buy: $23.00 Ships:
$7.70
$30.70
Buy now
1 hr
11 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Pleasant Hill, MO, USA ZIP 640**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $7.70
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Seller: lindas0102   Feedback: 661 / 92.3%
  • See other items for sale from lindas0102
Handlan ST Louis USA C&ORY 4 way signal latern ( electrified ) Railroad switch Buy Now »

Handlan ST Louis USA C&ORY 4 way signal latern ( electrified ) Railroad switch

Buy: $349.00 Ships:
Based on Zip
$349.00
Plus shipping
Buy now
1 hr
14 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: What Cheer, IA, USA ZIP 502**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: country_01   Feedback: 1,298 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from country_01
DIETZ, Vintage MONARCH Lantern, Red Globe, New York, USA Buy Now »

DIETZ, Vintage MONARCH Lantern, Red Globe, New York, USA

Buy: $49.95 Ships:
Based on Zip
$49.95
Plus shipping
Buy now
1 hr
24 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Hummelstown, PA, USA ZIP 170**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: chabis6   Feedback: 76 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from chabis6
The Adlake Non Sweating Lamp Chicago Railroad Train Switch Lantern Bid Now » Buy Now »

The Adlake Non Sweating Lamp Chicago Railroad Train Switch Lantern

Bid: $379.00
Buy: $499.00
Ships:
Based on Zip
$379.00
Plus shipping
Buy now
1 hr
31 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Plantersville, TX, USA ZIP 773**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: mike_babcock   Feedback: 325 / 98.7%
  • See other items for sale from mike_babcock
VTG CNR Hiram Piper Co - Adlake-Kero USA Canada Lantern - Adlake 400 Burner Buy Now »

VTG CNR Hiram Piper Co - Adlake-Kero USA Canada Lantern - Adlake 400 Burner

Buy: $147.80 Ships:
$18.48
$166.28
Buy now
1 hr
36 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Canada ZIP L5H3V1
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $18.48
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: luletta227   Feedback: 1,108 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from luletta227
Vintage Yellow Union Pacific Branded Starlite 292 Railroad Lantern Bid Now » Buy Now »

Vintage Yellow Union Pacific Branded Starlite 292 Railroad Lantern

Bid: $18.99
Buy: $27.05
Ships:
Based on Zip
$18.99
Plus shipping
Buy now
1 hr
39 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Plantersville, TX, USA ZIP 773**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: mike_babcock   Feedback: 325 / 98.7%
  • See other items for sale from mike_babcock
Vintage Conger Railroad Lantern AT & SF Railroads Bid Now » Buy Now »

Vintage Conger Railroad Lantern AT & SF Railroads

Bid: $15.99
Buy: $25.00
Ships:
Based on Zip
$15.99
Plus shipping
Buy now
1 hr
47 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Plantersville, TX, USA ZIP 773**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: mike_babcock   Feedback: 325 / 98.7%
  • See other items for sale from mike_babcock
CM&StP Ry 1895 Adams and Westlake Bell Bottom Lantern.  NICE! Bid Now » Buy Now »

CM&StP Ry 1895 Adams and Westlake Bell Bottom Lantern. NICE!

Bid: $349.95
Buy: $475.00
Ships:
$40.00
$389.95
Buy now
1 hr
51 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Pueblo, CO, USA ZIP 810**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $40.00
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Seller: drgw478   Feedback: 219 / 100%
  • See other items for sale from drgw478
Conger Lantern Co 1225 KCS Railroad 6volt Breakman’s Lantern Bid Now » Buy Now »

Conger Lantern Co 1225 KCS Railroad 6volt Breakman’s Lantern

Bid: $14.99
Buy: $29.00
Ships:
Based on Zip
$14.99
Plus shipping
Buy now
1 hr
59 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Plantersville, TX, USA ZIP 773**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: mike_babcock   Feedback: 325 / 98.7%
  • See other items for sale from mike_babcock
Antique Tin Carriage or Railroad Electrified Lantern, Wall Hanging Buy Now »

Antique Tin Carriage or Railroad Electrified Lantern, Wall Hanging

Buy: $95.00 Ships:
Free
$95.00
Buy now
2 hrs
21 mins
  • Item Condition:
  • Item Location: Crockett, CA, USA ZIP 945**
  • Shipping Type: Local Pick-up
  • Handling Time: 5 business days
  • Seller: deco-to-50s   Feedback: 524 / 100%
  • See other items for sale from deco-to-50s
Vintage RAYO Pony Railroad Lantern No. 21 Cold Blast w/Clear Globe Buy Now »

Vintage RAYO Pony Railroad Lantern No. 21 Cold Blast w/Clear Globe

Buy: $79.00 Ships:
Based on Zip
$79.00
Plus shipping
Buy now
2 hrs
35 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Battle Ground, WA, USA ZIP 986**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: uysugarandspice   Feedback: 2,715 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from uysugarandspice
Vintage ADLAKE ?Non-Sweating? Lamp Lantern Car light Railroad Buy Now »

Vintage ADLAKE ?Non-Sweating? Lamp Lantern Car light Railroad

Buy: $249.99 Ships:
Free
$249.99
Buy now
2 hrs
47 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Morrison, IL, USA ZIP 612**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: bwannabe1985   Feedback: 1,006 / 100%
  • See other items for sale from bwannabe1985
Vintage Red Flare Signal Corp. Globle Fostoria, Ohio Caboose Railroad Buy Now »

Vintage Red Flare Signal Corp. Globle Fostoria, Ohio Caboose Railroad

Buy: $53.99 Ships:
$9.89
$63.88
Buy now
3 hrs
10 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Krakow, WI, USA ZIP 541**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $9.89
  • Handling Time: 5 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: groundfloorcountrystore   Feedback: 855 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from groundfloorcountrystore
Vintage Railroad Flashlight 12 In. Buy Now »

Vintage Railroad Flashlight 12 In.

Buy: $28.82 Ships:
Based on Zip
$28.82
Plus shipping
Buy now
4 hrs
13 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Monessen, PA, USA ZIP 150**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: twojoesauctions   Feedback: 550 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from twojoesauctions
#80 Blizzard Oil Burning Lantern (Bronze) Buy Now »
Free Shipping

#80 Blizzard Oil Burning Lantern (Bronze)

Buy: $120.00 Ships:
Free
$120.00
Buy now
5 hrs
4 mins
  • Item Condition: NewNew #80 Blizzard Oil Burning Lantern (Bronze) for sale
  • Item Location: Denver, CO, USA ZIP 802**
  • Shipping Type: Free
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: leoneshoppy   Feedback: 99 / 97.2%
  • See other items for sale from leoneshoppy
Embury R.R. Lantern, RARE No. 225 Luck-E-Lite, Contractor Lantern With red Globe Bid Now » Buy Now »

Embury R.R. Lantern, RARE No. 225 Luck-E-Lite, Contractor Lantern With red Globe

Bid: $59.00
Buy: $99.00
Ships:
$18.99
$77.99
Buy now
5 hrs
54 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Lavaca, AR, USA ZIP 729**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $18.99
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: jado1903   Feedback: 72 / 100%
  • See other items for sale from jado1903
Dietz Lantern Philadelphia Water Department No 100 Rare Early 1900's Red Globe Buy Now »

Dietz Lantern Philadelphia Water Department No 100 Rare Early 1900's Red Globe

Buy: $199.99 Ships:
Based on Zip
$199.99
Plus shipping
Buy now
6 hrs
33 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Fleetwood, PA, USA ZIP 195**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: kyle662440   Feedback: 4,510 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from kyle662440
Vintage Hanging Lantern Basket Metal Punched Tin Lamp-Hong Kong 13.5" Buy Now »

Vintage Hanging Lantern Basket Metal Punched Tin Lamp-Hong Kong 13.5"

Buy: $24.00 Ships:
$12.50
$36.50
Buy now
6 hrs
41 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Powhatan, VA, USA ZIP 231**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $12.50
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: va_vintage   Feedback: 1,687 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from va_vintage
Auto Dimmer Night Light,No 8950201,  Globe Electric, 3PK Buy Now »
Free Shipping

Auto Dimmer Night Light,No 8950201, Globe Electric, 3PK

Buy: $41.83 Ships:
Free
$41.83
Buy now
6 hrs
47 mins
Antique Rare Old Railroad RR Train Lantern Turn Arm Cone Lens Primitive US&S Co. Buy Now »

Antique Rare Old Railroad RR Train Lantern Turn Arm Cone Lens Primitive US&S Co.

Buy: $450.00 Ships:
Free
$450.00
Buy now
7 hrs
11 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Cleveland, OH, USA ZIP 441**
  • Shipping Type: Local Pick-up
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: bearmanhunter   Feedback: 5,558 / 98.9%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from bearmanhunter
Handlan B&O Railroad Lantern Baltimore and Ohio Red Fresnel Globe Signal Lamp Buy Now »

Handlan B&O Railroad Lantern Baltimore and Ohio Red Fresnel Globe Signal Lamp

Buy: $124.95 Ships:
Based on Zip
$124.95
Plus shipping
Buy now
7 hrs
19 mins
  • Item Condition:
  • Item Location: Oxford, PA, USA ZIP 193**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: weavingmill   Feedback: 9,021 / 99.5%
  • See other items for sale from weavingmill
Delta Electric POWERLITE LANTERN Light Railroad Coal Miners Untested Old As Is Buy Now »

Delta Electric POWERLITE LANTERN Light Railroad Coal Miners Untested Old As Is

Buy: $40.00 Ships:
Based on Zip
$40.00
Plus shipping
Buy now
7 hrs
47 mins
RED DIETZ LANTERN GLOBE Buy Now »

RED DIETZ LANTERN GLOBE

Buy: $15.52 Ships:
$14.04
$29.56
Buy now
7 hrs
50 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Canada ZIP B3R2J5
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $14.04
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Seller: blw444   Feedback: 2,350 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from blw444
Antique Van Camp No 250 Dietz Tubular Kerosene Lantern Early 1900s Dietz Globe Buy Now »

Antique Van Camp No 250 Dietz Tubular Kerosene Lantern Early 1900s Dietz Globe

Buy: $89.99 Ships:
Based on Zip
$89.99
Plus shipping
Buy now
8 hrs
33 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Valparaiso, IN, USA ZIP 463**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 1 business day
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: pagescrapper   Feedback: 3,601 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from pagescrapper
Dietz No.2 Blizzard N.Y.USA LANTERN Buy Now »

Dietz No.2 Blizzard N.Y.USA LANTERN

Buy: $79.00 Ships:
$57.00
$136.00
Buy now
8 hrs
58 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Charlotte, VT, USA ZIP 054**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $57.00
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: jikastne_0   Feedback: 928 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from jikastne_0
Vintage Dietz Air Pilot No.8 Kerosene Lantern Light Blue 14” Buy Now »

Vintage Dietz Air Pilot No.8 Kerosene Lantern Light Blue 14”

Buy: $39.99 Ships:
$14.99
$54.98
Buy now
10 hrs
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Guthrie, OK, USA ZIP 730**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $14.99
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: 405bargins   Feedback: 805 / 100%
  • See other items for sale from 405bargins
Vintage Delta Powerlite Lantern Electric Co Walking Railroad Light rustic Patina Buy Now »

Vintage Delta Powerlite Lantern Electric Co Walking Railroad Light rustic Patina

Buy: $34.99 Ships:
$7.99
$42.98
Buy now
10 hrs
8 mins
  • Item Condition:
  • Item Location: Odenton, MD, USA ZIP 211**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $7.99
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Seller: christin3445   Feedback: 7,524 / 99.7%
  • See other items for sale from christin3445
Antique Dietz Acme Track Walker Inspector Lantern RR Train Station Lamp Railroad Buy Now »

Antique Dietz Acme Track Walker Inspector Lantern RR Train Station Lamp Railroad

Buy: $129.99 Ships:
$30.00
$159.99
Buy now
10 hrs
23 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Freehold, NJ, USA ZIP 077**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $30.00
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Returns Accepted
  • Seller: thatsniced   Feedback: 77 / 98.8%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from thatsniced
Ecolite Handilite Lantern Door County  Model 100 With Box Battery Light Train Buy Now »

Ecolite Handilite Lantern Door County Model 100 With Box Battery Light Train

Buy: $17.99 Ships:
Based on Zip
$17.99
Plus shipping
Buy now
10 hrs
29 mins
  • Item Condition:
  • Item Location: Mazomanie, WI, USA ZIP 535**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 2 business days
  • Seller: tiedke   Feedback: 1,077 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from tiedke
Vintage Dietz Lantern No.40 Traffic Gard Syracuse NY USA Red Globe Railroad Buy Now »

Vintage Dietz Lantern No.40 Traffic Gard Syracuse NY USA Red Globe Railroad

Buy: $44.99 Ships:
Based on Zip
$44.99
Plus shipping
Buy now
10 hrs
33 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Bethel, OH, USA ZIP 451**
  • Shipping Type: Calculated
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: chrikarne0   Feedback: 355 / 100%  Top-Rated Seller Top-Rated Seller
  • See other items for sale from chrikarne0
Antique RAILROAD Torch oil wick Lamp Light RR Steel Lantern Tool Train Worker Buy Now »

Antique RAILROAD Torch oil wick Lamp Light RR Steel Lantern Tool Train Worker

Buy: $69.99 Ships:
$16.55
$86.54
Buy now
10 hrs
35 mins
  • Item Condition: Used
  • Item Location: Grapeview, WA, USA ZIP 985**
  • Shipping Type: Flat Rate
  • Shipping Cost: $16.55
  • Expedited Shipping
  • Handling Time: 3 business days
  • Seller: grapeview-2007   Feedback: 5,143 / 99.3%
  • See other items for sale from grapeview-2007
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!

 Search eBay 
Search For In Category Min.
Price
Max.
Price
# Items
Per Page