lantern

Dateca. 1875

Mediumwood, glass

Dimensions16 × 5 1/2 × 4 1/4 in. (40.6 × 14 × 10.8 cm)

ClassificationsFurnishings

Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of Catherine Rust

Object numberPC1974.130.1

DescriptionThis handmade, late nineteenth-century lantern features punched tin and glass. The lantern sits vertically, rectangular in shape, with a conical top portion featuring a circular attachment for hanging the lamp. The outer tin construction of the lamp is stamped, pierced, and welded throughout, creating various embellishments. The central construction includes four panels, with the front-facing simply including the tin framing, while the left and right panels feature glass, which is broken and cracked due to usage and time. The back panel features a tin arc with various embellishments, which are eroded. Despite some difficulty in determining the decorative elements, many small dots forming circle shapes are visible, as well as several layered straight lines forming "V" shapes and some small punched stars on the bottom framed portion. The bottom surface of the lamp encompasses the small cylindrical burner in the center. Three curved wires appear to go around three panels by weaving through small holes on the tin corners of them, perhaps providing further support in holding the panels in place. The triangular panels making up the conial portion on the top also showcase various, much clearer embellishments, including a punched star sitting in the center of a circle framed by small triangles, forming a sun-like motif. A circular hanging attachment sits on the top of the conial portion, appearing to be constructed of a flattened piece of metal. Substantial rusting and discoloration are visible throughout the lantern's surface. Hanging lanterns similar to this one contributed further to technological innovation, and served as light sources within domestic settings and while traveling during the late nineteenth century, largely functioning with kerosene as fuel.

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