Impressive, 1930's ocean-going steamship's MASTHEAD running light of British manufacture. This authentic, high quality oil lamp is entirely hand-made of solid wall copper with cast brass fittings. The thick glass Freznel lens is molded in two parts, and the clear glass survives in perfect condition. The Fresnel lens is etched on the side "C. B. Ltd." 10 X 7 (inches in size). Each lens is etched on the side "C.B.L.10X7." The top breast of the lamp bears two brass tags. The top tag states “SEAHORSE, GB, TRADE MARK, 44350.“ The lower banner tag is embossed "MASTHEAD." The large chimney has a hinged cap allowing inspection of the lantern interior. A swinging brass bale handle is bolted to the chimney for carrying. A sliding copper door with brass handle allows access to the lamp interior. It opens to reveal a removable tray with burner. Behind it is the light source which consists of a large oil tank with double wick burner. The oil fill is reached by unscrewing the bezel style burner. The burner is backed by a silvered convex reflector for maximum light projection. The entire assembly slides in and out on a track which rides above numerous venting holes in the bottom of the lamp base. The tray is numbered 44350, corresponding to the lantern number. This lamp is fitted with four riveted solid brass hoisting rings, two on each side of the lantern. This large, copper lantern stands 21 inches tall, exclusive of the bale handle by 13 1/2 inches wide and 10 inches deep and weighs 19 pounds. It is in a remarkable state of original preservation, retaining a soft, copper patina. Chance Brothers from Smethwick was an English glass manufacturer of ship lamps. It was a leading glass manufacturer and a pioneer of British glassmaking technology. The company was founded in 1822, and from 1851 it became a significant lighthouse engineering company. They also produced Fresnel lenses for ship lights. Chance brothers later became Chance Glass Limited, in 1938.
A masthead lantern could be placed anywhere along the fore and aft centerline of larger vessels, provided it shows unbroken light and is visible in an arc from right ahead, as well as at an angle from either side of the ship.
From the Francis J. Trainor Maritime Collection
