From the standpoint of sheer numbers, the two most popular tall lantern
models of the Adams & Westlake company were "The Adams" and
the "Reliable" models.
"The Adams" This model was manufactured from the late
1890's to sometime around World War I . All "The Adams" models
are characterized by a "beehive" smoke
dome as shown below, but there may be variations in the style of
the verticals (flat
plate versus round wire), the horizontals (flat
plate versus round wire), the fount (insert
versus twist-off), the shape of the bottom fount holder, and other features.
This model was very popular and can be found with both common and obscure
railroad markings.
 |
 |
| Above Left: A&W #11
Adams Steel Guard (Model 1897) Lantern. This lantern style was made
from approximately 1906 to 1908, here marked "O. R. & N. Co." (Oregon
Railroad & Navigation Company) with a clear cast globe, flat
verticals and an insert fount. A&W catalogs used the term "steel
guard" to refer to flat verticals. Above Right: A&W
#11 Adams Steel Guard (Model 1897) Lantern. This lantern style was
made from approximately 1906 to 1908. The example here is marked "N.P.
R.R." (Northern Pacific Railroad) with a clear cast globe. It
differs from the example at left in that it has a twist-off fount. |
 |
 |
| Above Left: A&W #11
Adams (Model 1909) Lantern. This model was manufactured in the period
prior to the First World War, here marked "O.R.R. & N. Co." (Oregon
Railroad & Navigation Company) and with an insert fount. Note
the interleaving metal bands, similar to the example immediately
above it, that secure the bottom to the frame. But the bottom itself
has a different profile which looks ahead to the style of the Reliable. Above
Right. Another 1909 model marked "Pennsylvania Lines" with
a clear cast globe and an insert fount. The bottom lacks the metal
bands and looks just like a Reliable's,
identifying this lantern as a "transition" model. Also
the bail "ears" are identical to a those of a Reliable.
These examples illustrate the fact that "The Adams" model
of Adams & Westlake lantern was actually a whole family of variations
that evolved over time. |
|
This is a bellbottom
model marked for the Rutland Railroad with a 6 inch red cast
globe and an insert fount. Note the bellbottom based is part
of the frame and cannot be removed. The use of a 6 inch globe
instead of the standard 5 3/8" globe is unusual. Note
that the bail has been wrapped, something that would have been
done by the owner of the lantern rather than the manufacturer.
It is not uncommon to find lanterns with the bails wrapped
with tape, wire insulation, or other material, apparantly to
make it easier to grip while carrying or signalling. Collection
of Mark Rossiter. |
|
