For sale is a genuine, matching pair of large original copper and brass World War II British maritime navigational lanterns manufactured by Alderson & Gyde Ltd in Birmingham.

 

This set includes a Bow Port Pattern 23 lantern and a Bow Starboard Pattern 24 lantern. Both lamps feature the official Alderson manufacturer stamps stamped directly onto the copper cases. One is dated 1943 and the other is dated 1945. Mismatched dates are historically accurate for wartime pairs, as single damaged lanterns were routinely replaced from shipyard supply stores during active service.

Condition & Features:

Build: Heavy, thick-gauge solid copper hulls with brass fittings and heavy brass swing handles on the top.

Wear: There are a few minor dents in the sheet copper bodies, worse being the dent to the left hand side of the starboard one (see photo 4) , which is typical for authentic, active-service naval hardware of this age.

Glass: Both thick, curved Fresnel magnifying glass lenses are fully intact with no cracks or chips.

Interior: The original internal oil burners are missing. The empty interiors make this pair ideal for an easy project to convert them into modern electric decorative lamps. Also they originally had coloured lenses inside, which are missing.

Approximate Dimensions (Per Lamp):

Height: Approx 16 inches (40 cm) to top of chimney / 20 inches (51 cm) with handle raised

Weight: Approx. 5 kg each

Postage and packing - £24.95.

Good luck.