For your consideration is an Eli Griffiths & Sons Railway Kerosene Lamp, circa 1870 - 1920, manufacturer's stamp located on exterior of the main body directly under the circular bulb housing. Eli Griffiths & Sons was a manufacturer of ship lamps and train lamps, founded in Birmingham, England in 1870 and operated until 1963. Procured in Kandahar, Afghanistan and most likely had come from India during the British Raj era as Afghanistan did not have a railway until the late 1920s. Provenance: the Owen D. Mort, Jr. Collection. Owen David Mort was an American engineer who amassed an impressive collection throughout his worldwide travels. His collection has included art, artifacts and other historical items from which he has donated to museums at the University of Utah and Snite Museum of Art, the University of Notre Dame, including of Afghan artifacts. These types of metal and glass railway signal lamps were used for communication, safety and lighting by train guards, shunters and signalmen, as well as station staff in the late 1880s to the early 1900s. They were hand operated and used fuel such as kerosene. This metal and glass oil lamp appears intact with all original pieces, clear glass lenses, rectangular glass is cracked. Most all of original black paint intact as well. Oil reservoir included, wick missing. Housing and handle exhibits scratches as would be expected from normal usage and age. Measures 7"W x 7"D x 13"H, base 5" diameter, weight 5lb, 6oz