Camping Lantern Appraisal

Cold Blast Kerosene Lantern

This is an antique or vintage cold blast kerosene lantern, commonly used for outdoor lighting due to its efficiency and wind resistance. The lantern is constructed primarily of metal, likely steel or tin, which has developed a significant amount of surface rust, indicating considerable age and exposure to elements. The dominant color is a rusted brown, with elements of grey on the less corroded sections and the clear glass globe. It features a typical cold blast design with a large domed top, a central chimney section with ventilation slots, side tubes, and a base housing the fuel fount and burner mechanism. The glass globe or 'chimney' is clear and appears to be intact, though dust and grime are visible on its exterior. The wire bail handle is present at the top, along with what appears to be a separate, smaller hanging loop. The overall construction exhibits robust, utilitarian craftsmanship, characteristic of lanterns designed for durability and function rather than aesthetic ornamentation. There are no readily visible maker's marks or distinguishing signatures without closer inspection. The heavy rust and dust suggest it has been stored in a damp or outdoor environment for an extended period, contributing to a rich, aged patina. The presence of surface corrosion across most metal components indicates that cleaning and restoration would be required to return it to a fully functional or display-ready state if desired for practical use or collection. Despite the rust, the fundamental structure appears solid, with no obvious major breaks or missing parts, though the condition of internal components (wick, burner) cannot be assessed from the image alone. The style suggests it dates from the late 19th to mid-20th century.