caption: Signal lantern National Marine Lamp Company Early twentieth century Gift of <PERSON> This maritime lantern was used to communicate or signal between ships or boats. There is no doubt about the use of this object: large letters just above the lens spell ``Boat Signal.'' The lantern transmitted <PERSON> code by using the sliding shutter located just beneath the door of the lamp. This finger-operated shutter allowed or prevented light to shine through the thick, blown-glass bull's eye lens. The interior contains a removable font and burner for kerosene. This hand-held lantern has double swing bail handles at the back. There is, in addition, a mounting bracket on the back. Signal lanterns were also an essential part of the equipment found in life boats.
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