100.019.001

Lamp, Railroad

Adlake train order lamp no. 10. Has label inside with a list of several US and Great Britain patent dates. The last date appears to be 1912 but the dates are somewhat obscured by paint.

This lamp is identical to the no. 10 round body Adlake train order lamp as found in the 1907 Adlake catalog.

A train order lamp was used to signal a train to stop at a telegraph station to pick up train orders from the dispatcher.

The lamp has two clear lenses on opposite sides of the lamp. A slide up door on one side and a bracket for hanging on the other. The top of the lamp is stamped "The Adlake Non–Sweating Lamp Chicago." Underneath one of the lenses is stamped GNR–Y No. 10 for Great Northern Railway and the model number of the product.

The two lenses are clear and etched into the glass of both lenses are the words "Corning Glass Works Made in the USA/ 538 x 312 F/ S.O. Corning Pat 10 – 10 – 05"

It is missing its original handle and has been modified. Where the kerosene reservoir used to be a hole has been drilled through the bottom and the lamp has been wired for electricity and holds a 60 watt light bulb. This looks to be a professionally done update. The whole lamp has also been painted silver. It originally would have been black and flecks of the original color can still be seen on the interior of the lamp. It is unclear when the paint was changed.

1912