CCCP Railroad Lantern, Surplus

A heavy steel lantern quite apart from the modern manufacture substitutes clearly not meant for operation in the middle of the night during a rainstorm. So we urge you to veer away from those and have a look at these old Soviet ones!

In the old days lanterns such as these were used to guide trains in the dark. Of course in Soviet Union they "hang on to traditions" and used these at least up to the 60s - or even longer, who knows. We cannot say for sure when the Soviet railway infrastructure received electricity, maybe in the blooming 80s? Anyway these seem to be made mostly during the 50s, which would be quite late for any other country. These are of heavy steel construction and equipped with a "carrying handle" on the rear face, perfect for hanging this on the wall of your choice.

On the inside there's the little holder for the candle and behind it a reflective steel wall with a varying degree of filthiness. The socket is a bit wide for modern candles, but they do work of course. You could make a little "sabot" to tighten the fit if you wanted to. Even aluminium foil will work, so it's quite easy.

The glass inserts on the sides and front can be pulled out and are protected from impact with steel wire. You can never play it too safe as these were probably a prime target for booze bottles thrown by drunks. The finish on these glass inserts is usually shoddy, of course.

• Total height 38,5 cm
• Glass insert size about 10 x 18 x 0,3 cm
• Inside dimensions about 21,5 x 11 x 11 cm
• Candle holder diameter about 3 cm, height 3,5 cm
• Total weight 1,4 kg.

Used old Soviet equipment

Genuine article, usually made in the 50s. You'll surely be charmed with the rough finish indicating these have been made by hand with no actual love for the finished product. The minute details vary from lantern to lantern, but all they're all the same. And just to get the hype going: You can't find a perfect specimen!