Thomas & Williams Lantern

A couple months ago, we procured a beautiful old Thomas & Williams brass lantern at the Fisheries spring swap meet.  It was in need of a good polishing, and new wicks, which we had to special order.  We had our first occasion to use the lantern on Monday while sitting out and watching the sunset.  It worked perfectly!

 

The lantern is actually a miners’ lamp, but is a style that is commonly used on boats as well.  Miners used these lamps not only to provide light, but as a safety device.  If the atmosphere becomes heavily charged with noxious gas, the gas will enter the lamp causing the length and color of the flame to change.  Easier than carrying a canary around a dark mine, I suppose.