Rare U. S. Lighthouse Service/ Establishment USLHE Post Lantern Perfect Lens
This is a very early lighthouse post lantern constructed of solid brass circa 1870, in very good condition with the original 10 fresnel lens perfectly intact with no chips or blemishes. There are a few small bubbles in the glass created during the casting process. This large lantern would have been deployed by the United States Lighthouse Establishment along the banks of major rivers and harbors, saving many lives by preventing navigation accidents which often led to shipwrecks. The here are two cutouts on the brim of the lantern which allowed the installation of an eight day fuel tank which would be saddled around the lantern chimney, reducing the frequency of the need for the keeper to refuel the beacon. None of the lighthouse post lanterns were marked with the identification stamp of the USLHE or later the USLHS after 1910. Occasionally such lanterns would serve as backup if the main lens of a lighthouse were damaged or was being serviced. This example has been electrified at some point, and has a standard 110 volt plug.
This is an old modification that based on the wiring is at least 40 years old. The electrification works fine but could be removed if desired. There are two holes drilled into the lantern, one for the cord through the cap and one on the side of the chimney, possibly for an even older electrification. Both drill points can be found in the photos.
The original burner and fuel tank are not present. The fresnel lens glass is in mint condition and is among the best I have seen on any artifact of this vintage. The glass is photographed from all sides. The brass lantern has oxidized from a century of use, but has no pitting or areas of severe verdigris. This would polish up beautifully if desired.There are a few hairline cracks in the brass near the base of the lantern, roughly 5 areas where chloride corrosion has taken hold and caused brittleness. The two cracks which are the worst are shown in detail in the photos. The beacon weighs in at 18 lbs and will be packed with extreme care. This is an extremely rare item.