Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Railroad Lantern, c. 1930-1960 |
Object Name |
Lantern, Railroad |
Description |
Railroad Lantern, n.d. Round circular base with ribbing narrows into a circular cylindrical center. Inside cylindrical center contains glass light, and glass lens in cone frame. Lever on side of cylindrical center opens and closes glass front. In base is a circular knob. Cylindrical center extends upward to a circular ring. Circular ring protrudes from top of light and topped with metal lid. Two metal screws attach a metal handle over top of lid. |
Date |
c. 1930-1960 |
Creator |
Unknown |
Role |
Manufacturer |
Catalog Number |
2013.007.017 |
Dimensions |
H-21.5 W-8 D-8.25 inches |
Collection |
3D - Visual Communication Tools & Equipment |
Inscription Text |
None. |
Notes |
"In the days before city lights and GPS, railroad lanterns served a very important purpose: they communicated signals at night between trains and stations. Sometimes, a timely lantern signal meant the difference between life and death..." [http://www.collectorsweekly.com/railroadiana/lanterns 7/22/2015] "Railroads were fundamental to California's economic development, and the Bay Area was home not only to vast amounts of railroad wealth, but also to its own interwoven system of trains, trolleys and cable cars, many of those lines now relegated to historical photographs..." [http://sanfrancisco.about.com/od/attractionslandmarks/a/calrailroads.htm 7/22/2015] "Passenger rail in California during the early 20th Century was dominated by private companies. Business magnate Francis Marion Smith then created the Key System in 1903 to connect San Francisco with the East Bay..." [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_rail_transportation_in_California 7/22/2015] |
Search Terms |
Bandit Built Store Cavalli Family Cavalli Bros. Store Cavalli, Charles Cavalli, Frank G. Cavalli, Milton R. La Honda - Businesses Lanterns Lighting Railroad Railroads |
Subjects |
Lanterns Light Railroad signals Railroads |
People |
Cavalli Family Cavalli, Charles and Frank Cavalli, Milton R. |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Milton Cavalli |