Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

How do you identify antique railroad lanterns?

1 Answer
How do you identify antique railroad lanterns?
To identify antique railroad lanterns, first see if you can locate a maker's mark on the bottom. Using trusted online resources, you can determine who produced your lantern based on these markings, and then you can research the company to find out when it was in business and making lanterns similar to yours. To be considered an antique, a railroad lantern must be at least 100 years old. If you can't find a maker's marking, it's generally necessary to use the characteristics of a lantern to date it. Because this can be difficult without experience and training, you may wish to seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer when identifying unmarked railroad lanterns. Explore a selection of lanterns on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
Shop for Lanterns on 1stDibs
Large Rattan Pendant Hanging Light / Lantern, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
A cool handcrafted rattan large ceiling pendant hanging light with chinoiserie accents, Spain, 1960s. This large lantern has an eye-catching design featuring a semi-spherical rattan ...
Category

20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Wicker, Rattan, Paper

Two Opalescent Blue & Gold Murano Glass Lantern attr. to Barovier Toso, 1950s
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Two Italian Mid-Century Lanterns Attributed to Barovier & Toso, Murano, Circa 1950 Italian lantern, attributed to Barovier & Toso, Murano, circa 1950. Hand-blown opalescent blue gla...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Silk Wall-Lamp with a Pulley Shanghai, Re Edtion
Located in Vienna, AT
Extraordinary wall-lamp with a pulley, measures up to the clients request. Comes as well with no pulley. Different kind of shades are available Most components according to the UL ...
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Pair Scandinavian Art Deco Theater Pendants Brass Hand-blown Opaline, 1920-1930
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A pair of wonderful and rare ball pendants from the transition period from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, Scandinavia, 1920-1930. Hand-blown opaline glas sphere globes with beautifuly elab...
Category

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Urban Electric Co. SmokeBell Mirrored Pendant Light Chandelier
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Large handcrafted modern Federal inspired bell jar pendant light by The Urban Electric Company. This high-quality custom 'Urban Smokebell' light fixture features a stunning reflecti...
Category

2010s American Federal Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Fine Venetian Murano Pendant Light Mouth Blown Blue Color Smoked Glass in Frame
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful Sapphire color and practical size Italian fixture with mouth blown glass in a metal frame. If you are looking for a rare and stylish Murano light fixture to grace your ho...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Iron

Shop All