Brother-in-law [well, Pam’s youngest sister’s husband] found this under an old house in Raleigh NC near the tracks and at a crossing. What is it?? I know it is some lantern base. Is it for a switch? The bottom leg part is heavy cast iron. Has a square hole in it for mounting on something.
I would bet on a switch lantern. Cool find!
Dont cha notice the similarities to the Fastrack switch lanterns? [;)]
Here’s an example from Ebay:
That was my guess. I’m not into old RR things. Sure was nice to get this though. He also found some old shovels and picks. Told him thye were probably old RR too.
Very cool, Chief! Neat find.
Chief, that appears to be a product of the ARMSPEAR Manufacturing Company (New York). I have a similar caboose lantern (circa 1912) that I reconditioned. Not sure from the photos of the dimensions, so I can’t tell if that is a engine mount, or switch mount lantern. Believe it or not, you can still find the glass lenses at train/railroadiana shows, if you are gonna restore it. Oh, and leave it black (proper color).
I don’t mean to be argumentative, but I believe you guys are incorrect. That was the original, one and only traffic signal in Roseyville. It had somewhat of a history. Since the signal was installed near the train track intersection, all the locals where driving their pickups and carts on the tracks. This created a lot of confusion. And finally when the bulbs burnt out and the lenses where stolen the trafic moved to the adjacent dirt road near the outhouse. The light fixture being the cause of numerous accidents was not relocated. Instead, some of the “shady” ladies of the area built a house on top of it, and it was used as an amusement device.
Fifey, pretty tall thing. Will measure and let you know.
Don Baker, [sensored].
Try cleaning it thoroughly with mineral spirits in an aluminum baking pan. The ARMSPEAR stamp should be near the dome.
Don, what can I say?[oX)] You BAD!
Chief, Given the size of the lower mount, I’d be more inclined to think it would be either a engine marker or caboose lantern. I’m no expert, but I would think that a switch lantern would have a sturdier lower mount. As for the rest of the items, you may want to check around, a RR museum could use those. Perhaps even the NW museum or Tom’s.
Dennis
Chief, I have a switch lantern ( I think you may have seen it) and the base is very similar to your item. However a switch lantern should have large reflectors on it which yours does not appear to have. Maybe you should post it on the Trains or Classic Trains forum. Might be some experts on those forums.
I know this thread is years old, but I’m going through the archives and found it. It’s definitely a switch lamp. Missing the fuel fount and lenses, of course. To restore, you’d need four lenses. Two red (or amber) and two green. You’d also need some lens retaining rings to hold them on. Some black paint and it would look great. Put an electric light in it to make it shine. Or, if you’re like me, you’d want an actual kerosene fuel fount in it. 
Some people also like to have the day targets on them. I’m actually heading to Gaithersburg, MD, Halloween weekend to attend the biggest railroadiana show. Let me know if you want parts. Ebay also has them.
Great post JeffPo! The best I’ve seen concerning railroad lanterns and lighting. Well illustrated, succinct, and easy to understand.