Mystery wick lantern?

This lantern has puzzled me for years, over twenty to be exact. I can't find anything on it and I am beginning to wonder if it's not some kind of reproduction. The burner looks old, that's one of the sticking points with this lantern. I feel like it could be a possible "life boat" lantern and perhaps came off a ship.
See what you think.

 

Interesting lamp, wouldn't have thought maritime or it would be made of brass or copper, it looks steel and well made

 

I'll have to check again but I know there are brass parts for sure on the lantern. You are correct though, it should be able to hold up to salt water.

 

I think you will find T.B.L.W stands for Tom Bowling Lamp Works. A quick internet search will give you some results and save me typing. They appear to be rare and mostly ships lamps/lanterns.

 

Thanks, I did check Thomas Bowling out and I had a feeling that might have been what the letters stood for. I could not find a lantern similar to this one but... maybe I didn't look hard enough! lol

 

Nice Lantern George!

 

Yes, it appears to be a Thomas Bowling Light Works lantern. Can't identify it's use. It has a wooden handle which seems to indicate it's quite old. Wooden handles like this are usually broken or missing. This one is in good shape. I thought perhaps the burner would give a clue on it's intended use.

 

That design reg number is about 1887/8. ::Neil.

 

Thanks, Neil!
That would seem to track with the turner type too.
I think it's safe to rule out a reproduction of any kind.

 

Should be "burner", not "turner"...

 

It's a Thomas Bowling Light Works lantern; however, it's a reproduction made by T.B.L.W.! Probably made before 1920, so it's still rather rare according to my sources.