Railroad Hand-Signal Lantern, 1920s-40s.

This kerosene railroad hand-signal lantern was made by the Armspear Manufacturing Company around 1920–1940. The lantern has a metal body with a glass globe, surrounded by a protective wire frame, with a wire handle. The top of the lantern is stamped with the text “ARMSPEAR MANFG CO./“1925”/New York” while the lower metal portions reads “Erie R.R.” The globe is stamped with the initials “DL&W” which stands for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad. The Erie Railroad merged with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad in 1960, perhaps explaining this lamp’s representation of both railways.

Before the advent of portable two way radios, train crews communicated via hand signals during the day, and lantern signals during periods of low visibility or at night. Specific motions of the lantern convey precise instructions such as “Clear to Depart;" "Move the train Forward;" "Move the train Backward;" "Slow Down;" "Slow Down Further;" or "Stop and Remain Stopped."

Currently not on view