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Post by spence on Jan 4, 2021 18:50:03 GMT -7
Doing some research on period lanterns I came across a type I had never heard of before. It was listed in an invoice of stores on board the British store-ship Nancy, captured by the Schooner Lee in 1775. It is a “Muscovy lantern”. They are described as candle lanterns with thin sheets of mica as “glass”. Very early on mica was called Muscovite because it was used as glass in windows in Moscow, Russia. Here’s a link to a replica specimen, scroll down to “ship’s lantern with mica”. earlyamericantin.com/candlelanterns.htmlBTW, that invoice is very interesting for the wide type and number of items carried, on its way to the British Army. I’ve posted it complete in the Library Forum. Spence |
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Post by artificer on Jan 5, 2021 5:40:20 GMT -7
Hi Spence, I'm sorry I don't have information on the "Muscovy Lantern." The British Store Ship Nancy rang a bell though. She was part of Virginia Governor Lord Dunmore's small fleet that attacked Hampton, Va in 1775. It turned out it was the case of British ship's cannon vs American Riflemen and the Riflemen won. Here is an introductory link to the battle: hamptonroadsnavalmuseum.blogspot.com/2016/10/lord-dunmores-navy-in-hampton-roads.htmlGus |
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Post by hawkeyes on Jan 5, 2021 5:57:24 GMT -7
Very interesting... I'd have never guessed mica would have been used as a lantern pane, learn something new everyday.
I wonder if the use of mica came after the use of horn panes?
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Post by artificer on Jan 5, 2021 6:40:21 GMT -7
Hi Hawkeyes,
Pressed horn lantern panes go back to Roman times. However, as mentioned in the link Spence provided, rats would eat them. Since rats were the bane of every sailing ship long before our period, mica panes were used more often for nautical use from the 16th/17th century onward.
Gus
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Post by hawkeyes on Jan 5, 2021 8:59:40 GMT -7
Hi Hawkeyes, Pressed horn lantern panes go back to Roman times. However, as mentioned in the link Spence provided, rats would eat them. Since rats were the bane of every sailing ship long before our period, mica panes were used more often for nautical use from the 16th/17th century onward. Gus Yes sir, sounds about right! Paramount to keep those critters at bay from eating your lantern. |
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coot
City-dweller
Posts: 152
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Post by coot on Jan 5, 2021 14:32:57 GMT -7
I served two tours on a US Navy supply ship. The 1st Lt claimed that one particular rat had been on board so long that he was coming to morning quarters (muster) each day.
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