Lanterns That Lit Our World: How to Identify, Date and Restore Old Railroad, Marine, Fire, Carriage, Farm and Other Lanterns

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: Along with a brief history of American lanterns, Mr. Hobson offers information on the anatomy of lanterns including how they work, identification of parts, materials, finishes and markings. Seventeen different US manufactures and their lanterns are identified and illustrated with detailed specifications. Excellent advice for collectors in locating, identifying and pricing, as well as, repair, restoration and care of lanterns. From a well respected member of lamp and lantern researchers.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: Along with a brief history of American lanterns, Mr. Hobson offers information on the anatomy of lanterns including how they work, identification of parts, materials, finishes and markings. Seventeen different US manufactures and their lanterns are identified and illustrated with detailed specifications. Excellent advice for collectors in locating, identifying and pricing, as well as, repair, restoration and care of lanterns. From a well respected member of lamp and lantern researchers.

Rating:
Summary: Solid basic reference and tutorial on the subject.
Review: This was the first book I bought on this subject, and I found it invaluable as an introduction to early lantern manufacturers and lighting technology. The author clearly explains the different fuels available at different historical periods, and the technologies that utilized them. Contains many very clear reproductions from early catalogs organized by manufacturers in an easy to read reference format. Using the entries here, it is easy to locate the manufacturer, model, relative date of manufacture, and background on most commonly-encountered lanterns. The rarity guide is somewhat lacking in timeliness and should be updated, however. Despite that, I also recommend this author's Book Two as a useful addition and supplement to this book. Advanced collectors would likely be disappointed, but novices and experienced collectors will find this book interesting and informative.