Trench lantern
A trench lantern lighting device made of a glass bulb, with metal wick opening and a glass cover. The rope can be seen through the glass and goes through the metal opening at the top of the lantern creating a wick. A collar of fogged glass connects the metal and glass bulb bottom. A gold colored metal tip covers the top. [BRITISH MADE / PORTIA] is impressed on the base of the lantern. The top of the lantern is made of fogged glass that fades into clear glass at the top. Burn marks can be seen inside the glass.
Credit: Gift of Alan Laird
1914-1918
Glass, metal and rope
10.8 x 7.6cm
2017.111.4ab
Image and text © National Museum of African American History and Culture, 2020
Where you'll find this
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Permanent collection