Lot 225

French Copper & Brass Kerosene Railroad Lantern

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
For your consideration is this beautiful, large French made copper & brass kerosene railroad lantern from the Paris to Lyon & Mediterranean railway line, manufactured by L. Camus circa 1910s. This kerosene lamp has been converted to electric. This was likely used for train stations and/or railway carriages and were typically kerosene or oil-powered, featuring a sturdy metal frame, glass panels, and a vented copper chimney to allow heat dissipation. This impressive kerosene, now electric, lamp is housed in a sturdy metal-framed lantern case with glass panels on all sides except the back, allowing for an almost 360-degree illumination. The upper chimney is crafted from polished copper with ventilation holes to disperse heat, while the base and structural elements are constructed of steel. Brass finials and fittings accentuate the lamp. The burner and reservoir are marked "Poyard Paris", indicating high-quality brass construction typical of railway and industrial lighting of the time. The lamp’s glass chimney remains intact, allowing for functional use or display. On the front top panel, two original brass plaques can be seen with French lettering. The upper plaque reads "Eclairage de Chemins de Fer - L. Camus - Lampiste Breveté - Rue Lacuée 7 Paris," identifying the lamp’s manufacturer as a patented railway lamp maker in Paris. The lower plaque states "Chvs de Fer de Paris à Lyon - 1762 - & ala Mediterranee," linking this lantern to the Paris-Lyon-Mediterranean railway system. The lamp features a hinged top, which once allowed access to the interior for wick adjustments and refueling, as well as a sturdy back panel with mounting brackets, indicating it may have been attached to a wall or railway post. The number "77" is stamped on the front of the copper frame, possibly a model or inventory number. The lamp itself was made by Poyard, known for manufacturing high end sconces. It reads, "Fabrique a Paris - Poyard - Rue Des Cendriers, 48" translating to Made in Paris and gives the manufacturers address. The lantern shows good condition overall with wear present from its age and use over the years and slight damage noted. The bottom glass pane is broken in half, and the right hand pane is slightly broken in the bottom left corner. A patina has formed on most of the lantern adding a nice, aged look. No plug is present as it has been stripped and cut from the wires in the back, therefor no test for functionality can be performed. It measures 10 1/2" L x 11 1/8" W x 23 1/4" H and weighs 13 pounds and 2 ounces.

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