Maritime Antiques

Maritime Antique Ships Lanterns Light the Way

Ships Antique Copper Lantern

Ships’ lanterns of yore were used outside as deck lights at night mainly to let other vessels know where they were in the water and where they were heading to avoid collisions with other ships. Red lights were on the portside; green lights were starboard. Because of their “salty” environment, the lamps often had to be replaced or restored, due to corrosion. In fact, ships that were “retired” were usually torn down; their components basically tossed in shipwrecking yards. While you can certainly visit some of these old shipyards and poke through the tools and parts yourself, it might be easier to check out the vast array of authentic and restored lanterns online, at estate sales or at your favorite nautical shop/gallery. They’re still valuable, and they’re still very much sought after—not only as collectibles, but because antique lanterns still have a place on boats and in our homes and offices.

Galvanized, brass and copper lanterns are the most popular, but according to the savvy maritime collectors, copper and brass lanterns are more difficult to find. So if YOU find one of these and are planning to start a collection, grab it. Occasionally you can find pewter lanterns, although it seems most were used as table lamps. Still fun and still useful.

Styles and sizes vary, and many have been modernized or retrofitted to use in one’s home or office, as earlier models were typically oil lanterns. Oil lanterns are still used—great for the outdoors and camping trips, although usually the wicks need periodic replacing. One interesting design is called the onion lantern, used in America on fishing boats. Their design protected the flame from the wind, so were ideal to use outside on ships as “working lights.” Other styles include hanging lights, which swing back and forth, and post lanterns, which can be installed on walls. Round, square, octagonal—all shapes are indicative of the period and in how they were originally used.

Antique Lantern Used To Hang From The Ships Mast

Current uses for lanterns are in nautical-themed restaurants as well as in hallways and lobbies of commercial buildings. And anyone who loves to sail or loves the idea of sailing may want an original or fine-quality reproduction in their den, study or office. They’re ideal for hallway lighting, especially down to the lower “galley” or basement.

Depending on the age of the lantern, you should check out the glass or “lens.” If cracked, get it restored. Nautical restoration companies typically carry replacement glass, so you can still maintain its integrity and usefulness.

It’s always fun to discover the history of the lantern(s) you’re buying. Finding out about how it was originally used, its original state, what kind of ship it came from and how it’s been restored, is all a part of the journey. As a collector, or just someone who enjoys the maritime ambiance in your home, either to use or to display, antique ships’ lanterns are a nice item to light the way.