Description

Classic hinged tin candle lantern with a swiveling candle holder in the base. We have inventoried many original versions of such local tinsmith items from the era over the years. The box holds extra candles, matches, or anything else you might want to secure in it. Fits nicely in the pack measuring 3″ x 5″ x 1-1/4″ when closed. The box is hinged along the length and stands when opened. The candle holder swivels out and the tinned interior acts as a reflector for the light. Japanned exterior surface utilizing period methods with gold powder stencil on the front. (we handled the original we modeled this lantern after many years ago, now in a private collection. It had actually been stenciled upside down- presumably an anomaly/mistake by the maker – but for fun we stencil a few in each batch that way – you cannot tell when the box is closed – likely how it happened back then) Label from a documented wartime tinsmith is affixed to the back. Many tin items were japanned and gold stenciled during the period – thought to be a viable rust inhibitor – but done as well as for decoration. Lanterns of all types in particular are well documented as commonly japanned and stenciled and are under-represented in the Living History genre. Not designed as a particularly heavy or thick coating, the result will be minor scratching, etc, to the surface from storage and handling universally seen on japanned tinware, now just as 150 years ago. Comes with labeled package of two candles and a package of our popular Pollak patent matches. A.M. Pollak was a Viennese maker who contracted with Greenwood and Newbauer to distribute his matches in the US. We have an original tube in our collection, an early import label in Austrian, which also bears the US wartime tax stamp. Base of candle needs to be trimmed ever so slightly for a nice secure fit into the holder – easily done with your pocket knife – the common practice during the period and preferable to a loose fitting candle that does not stand up straight! Note: because of the period methods we utilize japanning has been a challenge these past couple of years due to unusually high humidity in the warmer months necessitating the use of more applied heat and a longer wait to finish the curing process. This makes for smaller overall runs done in “windows” of unpredictable Kansas weather – we are currently working on ways to re-stock in  more quantity, more often, and look forward to being able to again offer our complete and very popular line of japanned ware plus  a regular introduction of new items. We are happy to have been able to make some of these to offer at this time. We appreciate your patience. Important Notice: Due to postal regulations concerning matches any order which includes the Japanned Pocket Candle Lantern will be shipped Priority Ground Transport Only. Current ground shipping times are running 10 days – 2 weeks regardless of destination. If you wish to have the matches left out to avoid this please send us a note in comments with your order at checkout.