Historically, a flagman at a level crossing used a lantern to stop cars and other vehicular traffic before a train arrived. Permanent lanterns on poles are used to signal trains about the operational status of the track ahead, sometimes with color gels in front of the light to signify stop, etc. In railroad operations, lanterns have multiple uses. In naval operations, ships used lights to communicate at least as far back as the Middle Ages the use of a lantern that blinks code to transmit a message dates to the mid-1800s. Use of unguarded lights was taken so seriously that obligatory use of lanterns, rather than unprotected flames, below decks was written into one of the few known remaining examples of a pirate code, on pain of severe punishment. This was especially important below deck on ships: a fire on a wooden ship was a major catastrophe. Some antique lanterns have only a metal grid, indicating their function was to protect the candle or wick during transportation and avoid the excess heat from the top to avoid unexpected fires.Īnother important function was to reduce the risk of fire should a spark leap from the flame or the light be dropped. The lantern enclosure was primarily used to prevent a burning candle or wick being extinguished from wind, rain or other causes.
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