First time poster with 2 questions: Is there a publication that shows the different Frisco lanterns/globes? And, is there a listing that links timeframe with lantern markings (Frisco System, Frisco Lines, StL&SF RY, etc)? Thanks.
"Lanterns that lit the world" is a good one, not Frisco specific though. If you have a lantern post the photo, their is several collectors on the site. I will give you a estimate and some others will make comments.
All the Frisco lanterns/ lamps I have are Handlan. Probably because Handlan was in St. Louis. That doesn't mean there weren't other suppliers, just what I am acquainted with. That includes caboose , switch lanterns and hand lanterns. Dan
My switch lamp is a Handlan with a small plate attached "StL. & SF RR" with the number "4701" below. I also have a "cannonball" type switch lamp with reflectors that has attached plate "FRISCO".
First, welcome to the group and thanks for posting. I think I've seen Karl Brand and others here note that the "ampersand" is indicative of the lines during the presidency of B.F. Yoakum. Generally speaking I think this places the era late 1800s up until the WWI years when the "Frisco System" went into receivership. Accordingly, the "Frisco System" would indicate the same time period, when several railroads - SL & SF included - were under unified control. I've never been good in remembering the exact years and precise corporate designations that go with; I could probably do further research but I'll hope that others will be able to recollect more easily. Unfortunately I'm not sure what the significance of the "4701" would be. Best Regards,
Still need the photo. But, back a ways, railroads numbered lantern's, Key's and had a employee sign his signature or mark for almost everything. Supposedly you had to buy the second one. That kinda stopped, cause, if they held that to the fire, trains would be late cause someone forgot to bring one of their items. Then began the borrowing age, which lasted a while, unfortunately everybody forgot their safety items. Lastly, they sent you home and began the discipline age: Forgetting your tool, you bought a new one and: first time, 1 day, second time 2 days, third time 7 days, fourth time 30 days, fifth time Dismissal (get on the train and head west).
Photos of my Handlan switch lamp. I would appreciate any estimates of approximate manufacture date. Thanks
Your Handlan switch lamp almost certainly began life as an unmarked switch lamp. In other words someone added the metal band. Collectors prefer embossed lettering especially for a relatively common railroad like the Frisco. You can also check Ebay. The crews that hold the lens hood are not original; many railroads used brass screws and nuts, The heavy and sloppy paint job looks as it it obscures surface defects. You likely have a Handlan No 150 Switch lamp. If the words Handlan St Louis are stamped in two lines across the top cap it likely is before 1910. If the Handlan, St Louis is stamped in a circle around the edge of the top cap it is after 1910. One thing that affects value is the oil fount, burner and short glass chimney. Source- Signal Lights by David Dreimiller, 1990
Nice thread, if we have some other collecters please show photo's This one has the small lenses, I have seen very few of this type.
Thanks to all for responding to my post. My lamp has Handlan St. Louis in two lines across the top cap, so evidently it was manufactured prior to 1910. It also has the number 1096 on the fork base, so perhaps it was manufactured October, 1896? It only has 3 lens, which are 4 inch; 2 red, 1 blue/green. I appreciate William Jackson posting photos of his lamp, and would enjoy seeing others post photos of theirs also, especially an example of an embossed one. Thanks again to all.
David the lense size and color makes a big difference. The small lenses are the most desirable. Measure across the lense and let us know that measurment. That is a older style lantern so that is a plus. The Black Paint could be striped off. The badge plate looks original, but may have been added to this lantern. If the burner, pot and wick are in place would add value. This type would have been used on switches. Thanks for showing it to us.
Here are five pix of a Frisco switch stand lantern that I have. I have the original oil font and chimney, but installed a light bulb socket to illuminate it indoors. I removed and discarded the switch stand mount years ago. It's in original shape, no cleaning or painting.
Very nice Keith, the lift section, to give axcess to the pot and burner tells us that type was used, in the mid to late 60's. The Frisco badge plate is a nice feature, they stopped buying them with name of the railroad in the 70's and went to plastic lenses. Nice show.