Sold|$1,675
19th Century Clear Glass Bell Jar Lantern
Located in Heath, MA
The band, which has an embossed leaf pattern, is the perfect decoration on this otherwise unadorned hall lantern. It has been newly electrified with a three-bulb candelabra cluster a...
Brass
Sold|$1,650
19th Century English Globe Bell Jar Lantern
Located in Heath, MA
The hall lantern has been newly electrified with a three-bulb candelabra cluster accommodating up to 60 watts per bulb.
Brass
Sold|$2,050
Antique Bell Jar Lantern with Vine Etching
Located in Heath, MA
It has a truly beautiful form that is complemented by a graceful, etched vine motif. The lantern has been newly electrified with a three-bulb candelabra cluster accommodating up to 6...
Brass
Petite Bell Jar Lantern with Vine Etching
Located in Heath, MA
The period smoke lid with a classic bell form further enhances the bell jar's beauty. The lantern is newly electrified with a three-bulb candelabra cluster that accommodates up to 60...
Brass
Sold|$1,775
Antique Bell Jar Lantern with Wheat Etching
Located in Heath, MA
Originally for a candle or floating wick, the lantern has been newly electrified with a three-bulb candelabra cluster accommodating up to 60 watts per bulb.
Brass
Antique Bell Jar Lantern with Federal Etching
Located in Heath, MA
The brass finial/candleholder base was replaced at some point in time but appears original to the fixture. The lantern has been newly electrified with a three-bulb candelabra cluster...
Brass
Antique Petite Bell Jar Lantern with Trellis Etching
Located in Heath, MA
This circa 1850 English pendant features its original brass band, and smoke bell/lid with desirable air bubbles in its hand blown glass. The lantern has been newly electrified with a...
Brass
Pair of Austrian Etched Bell Jar Hall Lanterns 'Hundis'
By Rudolf Ditmar
Located in Southampton, NY
Originally used with candles, each of these lanterns has been electrified with a four candle socket drop while maintaining the integrity of the original smoke bell.
Blown Glass
Set of Antique Bell Jar Lanterns with Grape Etching
Located in Heath, MA
These circa 1870 lanterns will be newly electrified, each with a three-bulb candelabra cluster, and delivered ready to install from the toned brass ceiling canopies and chain provided.
Brass
Pair of Antique Bell Jar Lanterns with Star Etching
Located in Heath, MA
An exceptional and rare pair. The lanterns have been newly electrified, each with a three-bulb candelabra cluster.
Glass, Blown Glass
Large 19th Century Bell Jar Lantern with "Star" Etching
Located in Heath, MA
The bell jar, which has a finely etched star pattern, features desirable air bubbles and swirls in the glass that speak to its quality and age. The lantern has been newly electrified...
Brass
Set of Three Bell Jar Lanterns with Star Etching
Located in Heath, MA
Each lantern has been newly electrified with a three-bulb candelabra cluster accommodating up to 60 watts per bulb.
Brass
Regency Hand-Blown Clear Bell Jar Lantern, London, circa 1790
Located in Alexandria, VA
Originally it held one candle but we have electrified the lantern with a three-light solid brass insert, patinated to match the original brass ring and finial.
Pair of Antique Petite Bell Jar Lanterns with Trellis Etching
Located in Heath, MA
The brass bands, which have complementary embossed floral designs, were replaced at some point in time to ensure that the fixtures remain secure when hanging. The lanterns have been ...
Brass
Set of Three Petite Antique Bell Jar Lanterns with Floral Etching
Located in Heath, MA
These circa 1870 lanterns have been newly electrified, each with a three-bulb candelabra cluster accommodating up to 60 watts per bulb.
Brass
Pair of 19th Century English Bell Jar Lanterns with Diamond Etching
Located in Heath, MA
The lanterns have been newly electrified, each with a three-bulb candelabra cluster accommodating up to 60 watts per bulb.
Brass
Large Early Industrial Gas Lantern Pendant/ Electrified
Located in North Beninngton, VT
Large Industrial hanging lamp, circa 1880. The lamp was originally gas, but has been rewired for electricity. The lamp is made of copper. The shade is painted green and the underneat...
Large 19th Century Frosted Glass Bell Jar Lantern with Star Motif
Located in Heath, MA
It has its original brass band, smoke bell and chains. The hall lantern has been newly electrified with a three-bulb candelabra cluster accommodating up to 60 watts per bulb.
Glass
Whether you’re in search of a functional fixture to help illuminate a room or just a minimalist ornamental touch, the choice of lighting is important. Selecting the perfect vintage, new or antique lanterns can transform an otherwise monotonous space in your home.
In the 1700s, lanterns became widely popular when accessibility broadened for whale oil, as fuel for lamps was one of its earliest uses. Lantern design evolved considerably during the mid- to late 19th century, when a powerful, adaptable fuel came into play: kerosene. Portable and immediately sought after, kerosene lamps were traditionally surrounded by a glass globe or tube that sat on a metal frame to protect the flame from spreading or extinguishing. (While reproductions abound, antique kerosene lanterns have since become collector's items.)
Later, in 1862, John H. Irwin created coil oil lamps, which were designed for coal oils as well as kerosene and lessened the risk of fire. They required plentiful oxygen to remain lit, and with refinements, the lamps could be used indoors. Lanterns increasingly came to be part of commercial spaces such as museums and theaters, and over time, lighting artisans worked to refine and perfect these innovative fixtures so that they weren’t only practical but also elegant, sophisticated additions to home decor.
Antiques inject a touch of classical chic into any space. With the right lantern, you could also deepen the impact of the collection of vases and vessels, sculptures or other decorative objects in a living room or dining room. It’s essential to find a balance between utility and aesthetics when choosing the perfect vintage–style lantern for your space, and the right lighting decisions can determine the underlying mood of a room as well as enhance the choices you’ve made for your home’s decor. While old-time charm is something to be cherished, there is lots to love in modern lanterns from today’s top furniture designers.
On 1stDibs, search by creator to find lanterns crafted by the likes of Woka Lamps, Barovier & Toso and Material Lust or browse the collection by style. From today’s standouts to mid-century modern classics to Art Deco–era innovations, find the best vintage, new or antique lantern for you now.
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