Customer Reviews

Lanterns That Lit Our World: How to Identify, Date, and Restore Old Railroad, Marine, Fire, Carriage, Farm, and Other Lanterns

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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This was the first book I bought on this subject, and I found it invaluable as an introduction to early lantern manufacturers and lighting technology. The author clearly explains the different fuels available at different historical periods, and the technologies that utilized them. Contains many very clear reproductions from early catalogs organized by manufacturers in an easy to read reference format. Using the entries here, it is easy to locate the manufacturer, model, relative date of manufacture, and background on most commonly-encountered lanterns. The rarity guide is somewhat lacking in timeliness and should be updated, however. Despite that, I also recommend this author's Book Two as a useful addition and supplement to this book. Advanced collectors would likely be disappointed, but novices and experienced collectors will find this book interesting and informative.

Along with a brief history of American lanterns, Mr. Hobson offers information on the anatomy of lanterns including how they work, identification of parts, materials, finishes and markings. Seventeen different US manufactures and their lanterns are identified and illustrated with detailed specifications. Excellent advice for collectors in locating, identifying and pricing, as well as, repair, restoration and care of lanterns. From a well respected member of lamp and lantern researchers.

Great book . very informative.. Good section on repair and identifiying.

This book is very exciting to look through. The graphics were great and the descriptions were right on. I have a few lanterns and I always wondered when they were made and what their purpose was. The book gives the inquisitive reader a glimpse at a time long ago when these lit the world.

A good introduction to lanterns and the development of lantern technology. Clear and concise descriptions and illustrations with dates of manufacture for different burners. Great detail on the manufactucters listed in the book, but I have several lanterns from manufacturers not in the book, and would like information on them.

While I am only learning about this subject. It gave me an excellent understanding of what I need to know.