AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL EXAMPLE OF A 1918 WWI BRITISH TRENCH LANTERN.

A Very Nice Example of an Original 1918 WWI British Trench War Lantern, large metal war example. Four panelled glasses, which looks grubby and could be cleaned, I have not attempted to clean the glass, the lantern comes with a brass slide look hinge door, the glass is period to the time and is extremely delicate and thin looks possibly less than 2mm. It has its original brass oil light inside which is removable, has its original glass teardrop glass shade, which has sadly broken to the top, hard to find with original glass top as they are very often lost or broken over time and would be expected for glass that would have been removed on a daily basis. The lantern is over 126 years old. The lantern is made of metal and has been painted heavily in black over the years. It has a new wick so the lantern, can could be used I presume untested by myself (but as not to damage the original oil lamp inside maybe to put a candle inside to be able to use once again). The lid which opens correctly on hinge and dated 1918 looks to read Birmingham and another unidentified name. comes with its original well used wooden handle and has signs of old woodworm – not present now. One side of the panel has a small crack to the bottom please see the photo. The lantern is of a large size and looks absolutely stunning. This particular lantern would have been used nightly around the trench and sleeping quarters and by the officers reading and making tactical decisions. Approx Sizes: overall height without handle extended: 315mm high, with handle extended: 415mm. 170mm to widest point. Condition: Apart from the cracked glass to the panel and to the top glass shade it is in very good condition, please read the description above to form part of the condition report, a nice collectable item