Item #: 5210
Here is a great little western relic of a lantern with a whole lot of character, and it is in untouched original condition. It's a T. L. Moore Lantern manufactured by or for him a hundred years ago. The lantern comes with a Corning 5 3/8" tall clear cast "AT&SFRy" globe in the round edge rectangular panel. It is in excellent condition with a very strong cast. It has the Corning "Cnx, Made In USA" logo cast at the top on the back side. The globe has some small outside rim chips on the bottom rim. These are very small and will not be seen when in the frame. The lantern is marked on the top, "SOLD ONLY BY T. L. MOORE - SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - Pat. June 19, 1906". The frame is very solid and sturdy with natural surface patina and some dings on the bell bottom. The lantern measures 13 1/2" tall with the handle. All wires and joints are solid, tight and straight. The wood handle is in very good condition. The top-latch and globe retainer work fine. The pinch drop-down fount is in very good condition with solid metal, and it comes with a functioning burner. The burner is stamped "PAT. Jan. 26th, 1909". It will still hold oil and burn.
T.L. Moore was a railroader in Texas who lost his limbs (how many and which limbs, we are not sure!). He supplemented his income by making and patenting these lanterns in 1906 in San Antonio, Texas. He did not sell these lanterns to the railroad companies, but to individuals and at the union halls. The lanterns did not come with globes, the railroaders put their own in. Mr. Moore marketed these lanterns directly to railroad employees through advertising in employees magazines and union halls, so they are not found with railroad ownership markings, according to Richard Barrett, in his excellent book, "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Railroad Lighting - Vol 1". He illustrates one of these with a wire bail, and another in the supplement with a wooden handle or bail. These squatty little bell-bottom lanterns are nearly identical to the model #107 San Antonio Railroad Switchman's Lantern made by Star Head Light & Lantern Co. of Rochester, NY. We suspect that Star manufactured these and marked them for T. L. Moore. So don't miss out on this little beauty with a lot of history....It is sure to please any avid railroad lantern collector!
