Rare Antique Railway Lantern – Luchaire Paris – French Railways (Nord)

A highly unusual and beautifully aged antique railway hand lantern by Luchaire Paris, featuring a unique locking mechanism for the oil reservoir. This is a striking and very old example, with a wonderful combination of black metal, brass, and copper that gives it a truly distinctive appearance.

This lantern was used by the French Railways, and several markings confirm its origin. On the front you’ll find “Nord 9586”, with additional Nord markings on the rear plate. The back also carries the manufacturer’s stamp: Luchaire Paris.

One of the most interesting features is the square rear lock. By turning it, the oil reservoir can be removed. The original key is missing, but the mechanism can still be opened easily with a small tool such as pliers. A clever and rare piece of engineering from its time.

These lanterns were used as hand lamps on and around the railway, equipped with a reinforced top handle for heavy-duty use. Today, it makes an excellent decorative piece or a valuable addition to a railway or lantern collection.

Specifications

• Height (including handle): 32 cm

• Width: 15 cm

• Depth: 15 cm

• Manufacturer: Luchaire Paris

• Markings: Nord 9586 (front), Nord (rear plate), Luchaire Paris (back)

• Fuel type: Oil (original mechanism intact)

A rare opportunity to acquire an authentic piece of French railway history with exceptional character and craftsmanship.