{"product_id":"museum-grade-1865-civil-war-j-a-minor-s-patent-folding-candle-lantern-exceptional-original-condition","title":"Museum-Grade 1865 Civil War J.A. Minor’s Patent Folding Candle Lantern – Exceptional Original Condition","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eFor the discerning collector of 19th-century Americana, we are pleased to offer an extraordinary, museum-grade example of the J.A. Minor Patent folding candle lantern, patented January 24, 1865.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eFinding these lanterns in any condition is a feat; finding one in this state of preservation is a rarity. This piece retains a high percentage of its original, deep-tone japanned finish and remarkably crisp, gold-toned decorative stenciling, which remains vibrant and legible after 161 years. The internal folding mechanism functions with historical fluidity, allowing the lantern to transition seamlessly from a compact, pocket-sized profile to its fully deployed, functional state. Notably, the lantern features its original mica (isinglass) windows, which remain clear and intact—a rare survival given the fragile nature of the mineral. This is an acquisition for the serious collector who prioritizes authentic \"as-found\" condition and historical engineering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e United States (J.A. Minor Patent #46,011) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1865 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Japanned tin, natural mica (isinglass) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Exceptional antique condition. The piece displays a stunning, stable \"as-found\" patina. The structural integrity of the folding mechanism is perfect. Original mica is present and clear. No restoration or cleaning has been performed to protect its historical value.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-9a6ca959-7fff-6d84-8453-86f6a101eb08\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eShipping calculated by USPS\/UPS\/FedEx based on your ZIP code.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eItem Description and Condition Disclaimer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eWe take great care in researching, identifying, and describing each antique item to the best of our ability, drawing on available resources and hands-on examination. However, as dedicated enthusiasts rather than professional appraisers or certified experts, we cannot offer guarantees on authenticity, age, origin, or precise valuation. We strongly recommend that buyers perform their own due diligence, including consulting reference materials or experts, and thoroughly examine the accompanying photographs. These images are an essential component of our listing and depict the item's actual condition, including any visible flaws, wear, or imperfections consistent with its antique nature. It is the buyer's responsibility to inspect each lot and form their own assessment on condition, description and authenticity before purchasing. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll items have signs of wear commensurate with age and usage. The lack of statement regarding condition does not imply that the item is in perfect condition or free from any and all defects. If you have any questions regarding the condition of the items, please ask and we will be more than happy to answer and\/or provide additional photos as requested. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eCustomer Service Commitment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eWe truly value our customers and prioritize building lasting relationships through exceptional service. If you'd like additional photos or have questions about an item, we're more than happy to provide them promptly upon request. In the event of any concerns after purchase, please reach out to us as soon as possible--certainly before submitting feedback--so we can work together to resolve the matter swiftly and fairly. Our utmost focus is on customer satisfaction, and we'll do everything in our power to ensure every transaction is smooth, transparent, and positive for you.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Light and Legacy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44339092226091,"sku":"1156","price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/5379\/5371\/files\/20260626_165558.jpg?v=1783620765","url":"https:\/\/thelightandlegacy.com\/products\/museum-grade-1865-civil-war-j-a-minor-s-patent-folding-candle-lantern-exceptional-original-condition","provider":"Light and Legacy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}