That's an interesting find. I've seen railway ones before but not main roads. The disc at the top is interesting. I wonder what the idea was.
Mine has MRD etched on the fount too so probably not just some guys initials. Was wondering about these references? Mount Ridley Mines Ltd (ASX:MRD): A Perth-based explorer focused on rare earth elements (REE) and nickel-copper sulphide deposits in Western Australia. Migration and Refugee Division (MRD): Part of the Commonwealth's admistrative appeals tribunal, handling merits review of immigration decisions. Mineral Resources Division (MRD): A branch of the South Australian department of energy and Mining, responsible for regulating mining and exploration.
@tandm7 The gear I’ve seen “MRD” on were most likely “Main Roads Department” (also DMR at other times). Do you know what State or city of Australia your lamp came from? @Marko57 might cast a better eye over this than I. Tony
I got this one from an auction in the states. Was in a collection out of Wisconsin with a lot of nice euro stoves and a few lanterns.
@tandm7 Hi The reference you provided earlier is for the state of Western Australia MRD. I believe your lantern being made in Queensland is more likely referring to the state of Queensland, Main Roads Department which is now the Department of Transport and Main Roads. They worked with councils (a bit like counties) on bigger road projects.
