Rare Tubular Lanterns
Several months ago, a good neighbor moved away. He collected lanterns, but he was downsizing to an apartment and couldn’t take them with him. He gave a few to family and dropped what was left about 5 of them off in our garage. This was the beginning to a hobby I truly enjoy.
I’m kind of a history nerd. and lanterns have a lot of history behind them. I enjoy finding them, researching them and then I clean them up and give them a new home. I find it amazing that most are close to 100 years old and still, with a little work look fantastic and work like new. I can’t think of anything else that works so well 100 years later.
My favorite was the Little Wizards by Dietz, or the Little Giant. Pretty much the same lantern but with a larger tank. Then I found a Gem. A cheaper version of the Little Wizard made in the depression era, they soon became a favorite as well. Soon I had a few Monarchs, Reeds, Supremes and several Little Air Pilots made by Embury; a lantern I’ve grown to love, I now have 5.
These beautiful lanterns sit and/or hang throughout my studio amongst my rocks which we will get to in another blog post. Some lanterns I burn, others I just enjoy them just sitting there, and there are others that I’ve installed Kirkman light kits in with 1-3 watt bulbs. They work great as a nightlight and create an atmosphere like no other.
Please enjoy a few pictured below.
1927 Little Giant
Probably my favorite of the barn lanterns. I installed a Kirkman light kit in this one with a 3 watt flick bulb, because I will probably never burn this one due to its age. Its a beautiful lantern with heavy patina and red Little Wizard globe.. Dietz started making the Little Giant in 1926.
Early 1930’s Dietz Gem
One of three of my GEMS and one of my favorites! (Depression Era) A Little Wizard with green paint; a common color back in the ‘30’s and ‘40’s. Unfortunately the paint covers the date stamp, but I’m guessing early 30’s. The lantern is made cheaper and more affordable with coke tin and no beading in the air tubes. I installed a Kirkman light kit and run a 3 watt flicker bulb. It current hangs and lights my bathroom.
1950’s Little Air Pilot by Embury
Great shape, built like a tank, and my go to daily burner to take the chill out of my office.
I also collect railroad lanterns, specifically The Pere Marquette lanterns, because the love I have for the train (engine 1225) and quite simply there are too many railroads to collect them all, so, I had to set limits. Click here to view my entire Pere Marquette Lantern Collection.