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Post by bushfire on Jun 15, 2023 5:48:40 GMT -7
What would be an appropriate form of lighting to take into the bush for the 18th and early 19th centuries?
Was it candle lanterns or oil lanterns or just what was on hand?
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Post by brokennock on Jun 15, 2023 16:28:38 GMT -7
Great question, one I've wondered about myself. And it begs other questions.
How would one transport and handle oil for an oil lamp in the bush?
Would a glass paned candle lantern really hols up? What about a candle lantern with panes made of really thin and pressed horn (there is a name for it that I can't remember at the moment) or of mica?
My thinking has boiled down to, keep it simple. A basic candle holder or something like a "Brighton Bun."
I have a wooden "Brighton Bun," and a small tin tinder box with a candle holder on top and a loop finger holder that I like.
I also have a brass "sconce" (for lack of a better word) with a handle on the back that I just fixed and haven't tried yet, but I'm not sure how period correct it is, if at all.
Will try to post some pics later. Spence has some good pics of his Brighton Bun in use if I recall correctly.
Those punched tin lanterns seem popular with some folks but I'm not sure how much usefull light they really provide.
Excellent question my friend, I look forward to answers from my betters.
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Post by spence on Jun 15, 2023 16:50:55 GMT -7
Will try to post some pics later. Spence has some good pics of his Brighton Bun in use if I recall correctly. Those punched tin lanterns seem popular with some folks but I'm not sure how much usefull light they really provide. Not in use, but I posted some pictures of them in this thread from 2020: minuteman.boards.net/thread/661/little-lightThose punched tin lanterns give enough light to get around with, but if you want to see something you have to open the door. If you keep the inside nice and shiny they give a fair light then. Spence |
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Post by spence on Jun 15, 2023 16:57:45 GMT -7
I don't recall having run across any reference to lighting used while out in the bush in the 18th century. If anyone has found such, please post it.
The history of Brighton Buns indicates they were commonly used by the military and by travelers, but I have no idea if anyone trekking, hunting or such ever used them. If you had a shelter of any type, maybe so, but if you were out in the open they don't seem a good solution.
Spence
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Keith
City-dweller
Bushfire close but safe now. Getting some good rain.
Posts: 990 
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Post by Keith on Jun 15, 2023 16:58:50 GMT -7
Frankly I very much doubt that many woodsrunners would have taken any form of lighting with them. I carry a beeswax candle to help with damp kindling fire lighting.
Keith.
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Post by spence on Jun 15, 2023 17:13:15 GMT -7
Here's my favorite trekking lantern. I love multi-taskers.   Spence |
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Post by brokennock on Jun 15, 2023 17:21:30 GMT -7
I snapped a few pics just now. Though I have to concur with the above that it seems unlikely that any specific means of lighting would have been brought on a hunting trek in the bush. I've seen references to the use of torches for "hunting" (essentially jacklighting deer from a canoe) so would think that of illumination were needed a torch would have been made. Anyhow, My initial thought, if one were to bring a candle holder is that it would be simple like this,  Maybe something like this? Though I have no proof of it being correct for the 18th century,   I got this with no candle holder at the bottom, scavenged the holder from something else as a temporary fix,   Again, I can't support it being an 18th century design. It seems it might be too big for a bush trek, maybe usable if traveling by canoe or other boat. Might be good to light one's way to the barn or outhouse if not too windy. |
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Post by brokennock on Jun 15, 2023 17:23:20 GMT -7
Here's my favorite trekking lantern. I love multi-taskers. Spence I LOVE it!!!! 😄😄 The original tac-light weapon light. 18th century Dev-Gru 🤣 |
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Post by Black Hand on Jun 15, 2023 17:39:13 GMT -7
Recall that wax (beeswax or bayberry) candles would have been expensive and tallow candles would have been the less expensive option. Torches and rushlights in addition to the fire are other options. In the bush, the fire and/or moonlight are my options.
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Light?
Jun 16, 2023 3:51:58 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by paranger on Jun 16, 2023 3:51:58 GMT -7
Here's my favorite trekking lantern. I love multi-taskers. Spence And here all this time I thought weapon lights were a modern invention...😅 |
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Post by spence on Jun 16, 2023 7:11:31 GMT -7
They were around for a while. Here's a French version from 1800, with improvements. It has two flintlocks, two triggers, and is arranged so that firing the right lock lights the candle. Also, the position of the candle is adjustable so as to center it better in the lens.   Sorry for the diversion, bushfire. Back on topic. Spence |
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Post by bushfire on Jun 16, 2023 14:52:33 GMT -7
No apologies needed Spence I’m finding it all very interesting. And especially those contraptions!
id wondered on this before, but I was camping with the wife and kids at our families little shack on a 50 acre block which has no electricity, solar or generators. It has a small wooden stove which emits both a meagre amount of light and heat and other than that only candle power to light the room. I will say, 3 or 4 candles placed around the room give off a very nice warm light.
I’d like something for hunting/camping that isn’t a head lamp. I can’t find any decent candle lanterns so I was considering a feuerhand oil lantern and running it with a rendered animal fat or olive oil. But that design is pretty late, then again until I can afford to buy some proper clothing I don’t have a “period” yet.
thanks again all for the informative replies.
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Post by Black Hand on Jun 16, 2023 18:46:58 GMT -7
Betty lamp?
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Light?
Jun 17, 2023 6:07:36 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by brokennock on Jun 17, 2023 6:07:36 GMT -7
Adding some type of reflector to a candle will increase the amount of usable light. By blocking light from illuminating an area it is not needed and reflecting it in the direction it is needed you can make each candle more efficient. Some candle lanterns will help with this. I have a large candle lantern, pretty sure not period correct (it's posted on this forum somewhere) but old fashioned looking, it provides a surprising amount of light compared to just a candle.
A Betty Lamp would be correct and very common for the time, I'm not sure if one will provide more light than a candle or not, or how it compares in how much heat it adds to a room.
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Post by Black Hand on Jun 17, 2023 6:49:32 GMT -7
A Betty Lamp would be correct and very common for the time, I'm not sure if one will provide more light than a candle or not, or how it compares in how much heat it adds to a room. The advantage (or disadvantage) is that fat/oil can be used for fuel - Olive/vegetable oil, lard, bacon grease, other and not that expensive wax stuff.... I've been wanting to make a Betty Lamp for some time. Might be a good weekend project in the next few weeks/months. |
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