Vintage Elgin Kerosene Lantern, Early 20th Century

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Vintage Elgin Kerosene Lantern, Early 20th Century

About the Item

Presented is a vintage Elgin railroad kerosene lantern, with a clear glass globe and wire caging. The lantern was originally used on the Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad, in Illinois. 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. Later, different colored glass globes were also used to communicate. The Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad (CA&E), popularly known as the “Roarin' Elgin,” was an interurban railroad that ran from 1902 to 1959. The railroad operated both passenger and freight service between Chicago, Illinois and the western towns of Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, and Elgin. The CA&E connected directly with the Chicago Elevated Railway and the cars operated over the “L,” which provided a one-seat ride into the center of Chicago's downtown Loop. The line proved to be very popular during the buildup of suburban living in the Western suburbs of Chicago. Yet, due to the increased use of cars after World War II, the CA&E ended its passenger service in 1957. Freight service was suspended in 1959, and the railroad was officially abandoned in 1961. CONDITION: Good condition overall. Railroad lantern, with clear 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. Sold as décor item, it has not been tested. 19" H x 7 1/2" W x 7 1/2" D.

Creator:
Elgin American Mfg Co. (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)Width: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Depth: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Glass,Metal
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1930s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Colorado Springs, CO
Reference Number:
Seller: OT5751stDibs: LU909731278592