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Railroad Signal Lanterns

American History Museum

Before the advent of portable two-way radios, train crews used signal lanterns to communicate at night or when visibility was low. Explore the railroad signal lanterns in the National Museum of American History's collection.


Railroad Hand-Signal Lantern, ca, 1860

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

Railroad Hand-Signal Lantern, 1920s-40s

Railroad Hand-Signal Lantern, 1930s-40s

Railroad Station Agent Hand-Signal Lantern, 1930s-40s

Railroad Hand-Signal Lantern, 1870s-80s

Railroad Hand-Signal Lantern, ca. 1850

Railroad Hand-Signal Lantern, 1950s-70s

Railroad Hand-Signal Lantern, 1830s-1840

Railroad Hand-Signal Lantern, ca. 1945

Railroad Hand-Signal Lantern, ca. 1950s

Railroad Hand-Signal Lantern, 1989

Railroad Hand-Signal Lantern, 1989

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