I have this Keystoneware deck lantern bought recently. It is a sturdy nautical lantern but that is where any information almost ends. I can't find any information about age, the company or how they end up in Europe. Besides the obvious guess a world war, be it 1 or 2. Most people point to the darklantern website as a source but besides showing several different models and brands there is not much information in depth. Even the right shape of globe is open for debate. The only facts I got from there is a manufacturing date from around 1917 - 1925 and this information I can't decipher: The lanterns where used with a pear shape globe but they used a cylindrical globe too ? For my brain it is logic to use a pear shape globe unless the lantern is provided with a shutter which makes the lantern a dark lantern type which needed a cylinder shape. Otherwise the shutter (cylindrical) can't move up/down. So the main question: is there somebody who has more background information or sources whch shed light in this dark corner? For comparison I am also looking for a dark lantern version for a reasonable price.
These deck lanterns are beyond me but perhaps they would only provide more info if you e-mail them at darklanterns@yahoo.com
Well, it just came naturally since I couldn't find much info as well, David. I think they're not in office yet, @WimVe
I think that site like a lot of other sites on the web is no longer maintained. The Keystone Ware was from WWI. However, they, and several other companies continued to sell them after the war. This is not a "dark" lantern but a deck lantern. The deck lanterns have two rings that were fastened to the boat deck to hold the lantern. Dark lanterns have the rings but also have the ability to pull up a shade that creates a blackout condition without having to put out the light.
