Copper Ship’s Masthead Lantern by Smith & Barnes

A wonderful polished copper masthead navigation lantern or lamp from a ship, this has the brass label for the Newcastle on Tyne makers ‘Smith & Barnes’ whose business was dissolved in 1913. – Beautifully polished copper, with glass lens to the front. – Plate at back lifts up with the handle to access the internal lamp fixtures. – Three brass label plates: the top shows “Masthead”; the oval to left says “Smith & Barnes Ltd, Newcastle on Tyne, Glasshouse Bridge Works, 3914”; the oval to right has image of a castle on a river, with a ship. – Smith & Barnes were dissolved in 1913, which dates this piece to before that time. – 2 metal lugs either side for mounting to the mast. – Glass etched with “W.T.G. (M. H.)” on the left side. This will make a stunning statement piece for an interior decorator, with the bright copper work perhaps making a great addition to a large country kitchen display. It will also make a good piece for a marine style restaurant or nautical themed bar. It might also be converted to an electric lamp. Date: Early 20th century, before 1913 Material: Copper & Glass Origin: Newcastle upon Tyne, England