Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Vintage Adlake RR Lantern, 1945-1965
About the Item
Presented is a vintage Adlake railroad kerosene lantern, with a red glass globe and wire caging. The lantern was manufactured by the Adams & Westlake Company of Chicago, Illinois, sometime between 1945-1965. It was originally used on the Chicago and Western Indiana Railroad, and is stamped "C & WI" along the dome's base.
Kerosene lanterns just like this one were used daily by railroad workers. They were not only a source of light, but also the best means of communication when operating and directing trains, as the noisy working environments and the distance involved in train operations negated communication by speaking or yelling.
Railroad lanterns were portable and were an effective light source that could be easily seen at night from a distance. As a method of communication, the railroad worker would swing and move the lantern in different ways according to what message he wanted to send. For instance, to give a stop signal, the lantern would be swung back and forth horizontally across the tracks and the signal to proceed was to move the lantern up and down vertically.
At the turn of the 20th century, railroad operators used colored globe lanterns for illumination and signaling at night. The meanings of the colors were the precursors to our modern traffic light system. White was used to indicate that it was safe to proceed, green signaled caution, and red indicated "Stop" or "Danger."
The Chicago & Western Indiana Railroad was a short line running 16 miles from downtown Chicago to Dolton, Illinois, the first suburb south of Chicago, with another line running southeast from Eighty-First Street to the Indiana state line. Built in the 1880s, it was owned by five trunk line railroads that used it as an efficient and inexpensive route into downtown Chicago. Like many 19th-century railroads, the C&WI reached its traffic peak in the middle of the 20th century.
CONDITION:
Good condition overall. Railroad lantern, with red glass globe, surrounded by a metal frame. Used kerosene as a fuel source . Scuffs and scratches to metal and metal coating. Small areas of tarnish and rust present. Glass globe intact. Top stamped "Adlake" and "kero." Stamped "C & WI" on the dome's base. Stamped "USA / 1415633/ 1415634-1415635/ 1660194" and "CANADA 921-19." Sold as décor item, it has not been tested.
Dimensions: (relaxed handle) 9 1/4" H x 7" W x 6 1/4" D.
Dimensions: (with wire handle completely extended) 12" H x 7" W x 6 1/4" D.
- Dimensions:Height: 9.25 in (23.5 cm)Width: 7 in (17.78 cm)Depth: 6.25 in (15.88 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1945-1965
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:Colorado Springs, CO
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
4.9
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2010
1stDibs seller since 2011
407 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Colorado Springs, CO
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 10 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Vintage Paull's Leader No. 2 Fount. Green LanternLocated in Colorado Springs, COPresented is a vintage Paull's Leader Large No. 2 Fount kerosene lantern. This lantern design was first manufactured by the Wheeling Stamping company under the name "Paull's Leader."...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
MaterialsMetal
- Vintage Rayo Pony No. 21 LanternBy Standard Oil CompanyLocated in Colorado Springs, COPresented is a vintage Rayo Pony No. 21 lantern, from the early 20th century. This metal and glass lantern was manufactured by Standard Oil for their Rayo l...Category
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
MaterialsMetal
- Vintage Sensenich Wooden Propeller, circa 1945By SensenichLocated in Colorado Springs, COThis is a beautiful wooden Sensenich propeller, dating to 1945. The propeller is stamped "H 3668" on the rear of the hub. Given its construction and designation, it is likely this propeller was flown at the very end of WWII. The Sensenich Propeller Company was established in 1932 to manufacture fixed-pitch wood aircraft propellers for the growing aviation market. The company started in Pennsylvania by two brothers. Their first experiments included pushing propeller-driven farm wagons down the narrow dirt roads of Lancaster County and, in the winter, strapping an engine and their wooden propeller to an ice sled, which they tethered by a hundred-foot hawser to a stout stake set...Category
Vintage 1940s American Modern Aviation Objects
MaterialsWood
- Vintage WWII U.S. Navy Patriotic Banner, "Welcome Firemen" Flag, circa 1941-1945Located in Colorado Springs, COThis is a beautifully preserved WWII Navy aircraft carrier banner, emblazoned with a welcome for the ship's firemen. The banner is partially printed and has sewn elements. The flag's field is dyed a rich navy blue, with a resist dyed white stripe and a sewn red stripe at both top and bottom. A large "WELCOME" is resist dyed at center, in big white letters. This is followed by a sewn yellow strip of contrasting fabric, printed with the word "FIREMEN" in blue. Thirteen white stars complete the design of this patriotic piece of WWII and Navy history. The banner retains its original white hoist, with two metal grommets on each side, for ease in display on the ship. Along the center of the hoist is the printed name of "J.S. Sullivan." "Naugatuck, Conn." is printed along the left and the size "2 x3 FT" is printed along the right. The flag maker, Annin, has sewn in its label, boasting "guaranteed defiance fast colors." CONDITION: Very good condition, considering age and past use. Partially printed and hand-sewn flag construction. Some toning to the white of the flag and along the top hoist. Original grommets at left and right of the hoist. The flag measures 36" X 22". Expertly framed on black linen with an antiqued black wood...Category
Vintage 1940s American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
MaterialsLinen
- Army Air Forces Poster, "See the Job Through" by Baskerville, WWII Poster, 1945By Charles BaskervilleLocated in Colorado Springs, COThis 1945 color poster features an American pilot and a ground crew Staff Sergeant shaking hands and the words “Seeing the Job Through! Enlist in the Regular Army Air...Category
Vintage 1940s American Historical Memorabilia
MaterialsPaper
- "Congress and the Nation 1946-1964" First Edition Two-Volume Set, Published 1965Located in Colorado Springs, COCongress and the Nation 1945-1964: A Review of Government and Politics in the Postwar Years. District of Columbia: Congressional Quarterly Service, 1965. First edition, two-volume se...Category
Vintage 1960s American Books
MaterialsLeather, Paper
You May Also Like
- Antique Adams & Westlake Adlake B&O RR Railroad Lantern Santa Fe Red GlobeBy Adams & Westlake Co.Located in Dayton, OHAntique Adams & Westlake Adlake oil lantern featuring ruby red globe and metal frame. Measure:3".Category
Antique Late 19th Century Rustic Candle Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- Vintage Retrofitted Kerosene LanternLocated in Tarrytown, NYVintage metal kerosene lantern with central glass shade retrofitted for electrified home use.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
MaterialsMetal
- Vintage Gilt Metal LanternLocated in Tarrytown, NYVintage gilt metal lantern with gold and patinated mixed finishes and glass shade.Category
Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- A Vintage Italian LanternLocated in New York, NYA circa 1960's Italian lantern with faceted body and 4 interior lights. Measurements: Drop: 19" Diameter: 9"Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Lanterns
MaterialsMetal
- Vintage Capiz LanternLocated in New York, NYA circa 1960's capiz lantern with an interior Edison light. Measurements: Height: 25.5" Diameter: 8.5".Category
Vintage 1960s French Lanterns
MaterialsResin
- French Vintage Lantern, 1960s Bronze & Glass lanternLocated in Bastogne, BEVintage Five Sided Forged Bronze and glass ceiling lantern. France, Circa 1960s. Decorate your ceiling with Bronze Pentagonal Lantern of Mid 20th century. This lantern is fully bronze with gilt decor and would be perfect for a hallway or staircase, but also as a chandelier. The 5 sides have 5 transparent glass windows. There 2 Light bulbs in the form of faux candlestick. Lamps in the form of a lantern always look interesting in the interior and create a romantic and mysterious atmosphere. Beautiful Vintage Lantern...Category
Vintage 1960s French Lanterns
MaterialsBronze
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Vintage Street Lighting
Turn On Vintage Lighting
Eighties Furniture
Train Lighting
Traffic Light
Used Track Lighting
Street Lantern
Vintage Street Light
Chicago Lighting
Vintage Furniture Indiana
Western Lighting
Railroad Furniture
Track Lighting
Colored Globes
Retro Stop Light
Chicago Vintage Lighting
Canada Stamps Used
Street Globe