Included in this lot is this Punched-Tin (or Pierced-Tin) Candle Lantern, circa 1840. 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. The origin of the pierced tin lantern is lost in antiquity, but we know it was used in Europe in the 14th Century and may have first appeared in Spain. During the early 1700s, large sheets of tin were being produced in England and from there exported to America. After the American Revolution, colonists began producing their own tin and making household items with the material. Tin could be transformed into a number of unique items such as dishware, cutlery, washbasins, pails, pots and pans, watering cans, colanders, graters, candle holders, pie pans, funnels, and, of course lanterns. Lamps made out of tin and punched with holes were a popular way to carry lit candles during Colonial times. The holes punched into the lanterns were an appealing feature not only because it helped display light, but also because it kept the flame from being blown out by the wind, which was important when traveling long distances. Lantern was featured in an exhibit in Iowa noting the lantern was made for a family member. Most likely hand-crafted, the metal used in this lantern is commonly referred to as tin, but is actually tin plate. Because of this, these lanterns tended to be surprisingly durable, despite the rough treatment they often received. This lantern exhibits evidence of long term use, dents, oxidation and rust noted. Measures 5.5"W diameter, 15.5"H, weight approximate 14oz