$4,500
H 19.75 in W 13.5 in D 12 in
American Nautical Brass Perko Marine Lantern with Orig. Fresnel Lense NY C. 1920
By Perko Co.
Located in Charleston, SC
American Nautical brass Perko marine lantern with the original Fresnel lense, exterior side mounts
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century Perko Tiebout Marine Lanterns
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 20th Century Perko Tiebout Marine Lanterns One with blue glass One with red glass Large 8
Metal
Large Solid Brass Perko Ships Anchor Lantern
By Perkins Marine Lamp
Located in Norwell, MA
Ships anchor lantern by The Perkins Marine Lamp Company. With protective brass bars, vented top
Brass
Large Pair Antique Nautical WW I Perko Navy Bulkhead Oil Lamps
By Perkins Marine Lamp
Located in Palm City, FL
, - Lanterns That Lit Our World -. They were made by Perkins Marine Lamp Corporation during the first and
Brass, Tin
Brass Bow Boat Lantern by Perko of Brooklyn New York
By Perkins Marine Lamp
Located in Norwell, MA
Boat lantern by Perko of Brooklyn New York. This lantern has been meticulously polished and
Brass
1920s Perko Marine Lantern
Located in San Francisco, CA
This beautiful starboard-side lantern was made by Perkins Marine Lamp. Inc., which was formed in
Copper
Three Vintage Brass "Perko" Industrial Marine Lanterns
Located in Pasadena, CA
Set of three flat-backed brass Perko brand marine lanterns with original fresnel glass and great
Brass
$14,000 / set
H 22 in W 14.75 in D 13.5 in
Pair of English Polished Steel Ship Lanterns by Meteorite, Circa 1900
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of English port and starboard polished steel ship lanterns with Fresnel lenses, vented tops, and mounting handles. Meteorite Firm. Early 20th Century
$6,800 / set
H 13.75 in W 8 in D 6 in
Pair of Brass Port & Starboard Ship Lanterns with Fresnel Lenses, NY, Circa 1900
By Perko Co.
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American brass port and starboard ship lanterns with flanking ringed vented domes, hinged doors, rear mounting brackets, and original colored red & blue Fresnel lenses. Lante...
Brass, Steel
$9,800 / set
H 20 in W 11 in D 11.5 in
Pair of American Nautical Polished Steel and Brass Ship Lanterns, NY C. 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American Nautical port & starboard polished steel and brass ship lanterns with the original red and blue Fresnel lenses, flanking vented dome finials, exterior protective cag...
Brass, Steel, Wire
Maritime Beacon With Fresnel Lens
Located in Norwell, MA
Copper buoy light with bronze frame Fresnel lens. Hinged top with brass hinges and bezel. Built to the highest quality to withstand decades at sea. Professionally polished. Fitted wi...
Bronze, Copper
$17,000 / set
H 19 in W 11 in D 11 in
Pair of American Brass Double Stacked Maritime Beacons Mounted on Bases. C. 1880
By Lovell Manufacturing Company
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American brass double stacked maritime beacons with carrying handles, makers stamps, original red and blue 360 degree Fresnel lenses, and mounted on square bases. Manufacture...
Brass
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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