This is an authentic 19th-century sheet iron candle lantern, a quintessential example of period utility lighting used in American barns and homesteads. The lantern is constructed from heavy-gauge sheet iron, rather than tin, as with most lanterns of this type and features a hand-folded, rugged design with a protective top cowl. It retains its original glass window panes, several of which show period-appropriate cracks (as pictured). The iron displays a deep, dark, natural patina with significant surface oxidation/pitting consistent with a life of hard use in an agricultural setting. It stands 13" tall to the top of the suspension ring and has a 5.75" diameter base. A highly characterful, "untouched" primitive piece that retains a provenance label from the collection of Mathew J. King.

Item Specifics:

• Material: Iron
• Style: Primitive
• Type: Candle Lantern
• Age: 1850-1899
• Original/Reproduction: Original.
• Keywords: 19th century lantern, antique iron lighting, primitive barn lantern, sheet iron candle holder, rustic farmhouse decor, colonial era, Americana, hand forged iron, kerosene era, antique lantern original glass.

Reference: For context on the development of early iron lighting, see Early American Lighting by Luckey, C. (1995), p. 112, which illustrates the evolution of simple sheet iron lanterns from utility to household use.

Condition: Authentic "as-found" condition. Significant structural rust and metal degradation at the base (as shown in pictures). Glass panes are fragile and fractured. Original patina has been preserved and not cleaned.

Authenticity Assessment: The authenticity of this lantern is supported by several key indicators. The "rot" and heavy, deep oxidation visible on the base and throughout the body are signs of genuine, long-term environmental exposure, which is nearly impossible to replicate perfectly with modern chemical aging. Furthermore, the construction—using overlapping iron sheets with simple, hand-folded seams and integrated hinges—is consistent with 19th-century hand-tooling. The lack of modern welding or factory-stamped markers is a strong indicator of an authentic, pre-industrial era piece.

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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