CHINESE NATIONAL RAILWAYS KEROSENE/OIL RAILROAD SIGNAL LAMP/LANTERN

Description

This kerosene-fueled, hand-held, multiple-color-lenses railroad signal lamp was manufactured in China for use on the Chinese National Railways.  The paper label on the lamp has the Chinese Railways logo and Chinese writing which translates to:  "SIGNAL LAMP Tianjin City Lamp Factory  Manufactured under the supervision of the Railway Dept. Resources Bureau Tianjin Office."   It measures 13.5" tall and 5.5" across the base.  The rotatable inner sleeve has four curved-glass lenses for displaying various signals.  Colors are red, amber, green and clear.  The lamp is illuminated by a small kerosene burner at its base with a flat wick and thumbwheel and a round metal reflector.  The main lens is convex magnifying glass.   The lamp has some tarnishing and light surface rust, but is solid and not perforated (see photos).   This is a very rare item that will complement any railroad or lantern collection.