What is a "Dark Lantern," anyway?

The Dark Lantern was a common tool in the 1800s. This video is a brief introduction to the lanterns with a brief history of them and description of how different models worked.
#darklantern, #historicalfiction, #policelantern, #bullseyelantern, #victorian, #detectivethriller, #mystery

[@davidh5903]

The music is a bit overmuch, but thank you for the information!

[@michaelbeams9553]

Illuminating . Thank You .

[@jeepinjohnny2898]

Hey - i sure like your vid but much DISLIKE the background racket (music) while you talk.

[@brandydarling1]

Agree

[@BFantana]

It needs to be turned down in the mix, if it was quieter it would be less distracting

[@ianfinrir8724]

Oh, it's "dark" because you can hide the light.

[@d-rbrtsn9989]

It would have been nice to see one in action.

[@SilntObsvr]

I've known about bullseye lanterns with their shutters for many years (thanks to Dungeons and Dragons, of all things), but this is the first time I've seen good photographs of actual examples. Mass produced, affordable tools, from a time when consumer goods might still last a century. I'd guess they used whale oil or vegetable oil in the early days, before kerosene became a common item. Such a thing would probably cost $50 or more in today's world -- as much because there's no volume demand, as because both materials and labor are so much more expensive than they were when Victoria was the "young queen".

[@MarkRWilliams]

Thanks! On my web site there is a longer version of this in text with the same images. You may find more answers there: darklanterntales.wordpress.com/what-is-a-dark-lantern/

[@SilntObsvr]

@@MarkRWilliams I looked and found the link at the bottom for repro dark lanterns. Four hundred bucks?! With less emphasis on reproducing the 19th century esthetic, I think these could be manufactured for less than a quarter of that figure -- at least in plain zinc- or tin-plated sheet steel.
Not much demand for a no-battery hand light these days, though, with a smart phone (with its built-in flashlight) on every belt, in every purse, etc. and hand-held LED/rechargeable lights that can throw a beam spot a quarter mile or more...

[@simonacerton3478]

That is where I found out about them as well.

[@waynegriffiths5143]

Thank you for your excellent presentation and the thorough research. Kind regards from England.

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

I first heard of a dark lantern in a Mandragora Scream song.

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

I'm a new subscriber and I can't wait to see all of your videos thank you For sharing your knowledge and expertise and hello from Detroit Michigan

[@rajaapasalkar3043]

खूप छान आणि मस्त,this is the Marathi language . Mumbai India.

[@MarkRWilliams]

Thank you all for your comments! I abbreviated my web page about these lanterns to keep this video from becoming even longer. You might enjoy looking at the page for more information and images. darklanterntales.wordpress.com/what-is-a-dark-lantern/🙂

[@lordbarristertimsh8050]

Really informative video, I always wondered about these lanterns, and your video was very { pardon the word choice } enlightening. Just a question: do you know of any companies that are making working reproductions of old dark lanterns, or even just torches { i.e. electric flashlights } made up to look like the old 19th century models?

[@MarkRWilliams]

@@lordbarristertimsh8050 Thank you, and yes W. T. Kirkman makes a high quality replica. They supply film productions as well as lantern enthusiasts, so the replicas are not inexpensive. There's a link at the bottom of the "What is a Dark Lanetrn?" article on my web site: darklanterntales.wordpress.com/what-is-a-dark-lantern/

[@lordbarristertimsh8050]

@@MarkRWilliams Thanks for the informative reply!

[@then00brathalos]

ahh this brings back memories of getting yelled by my father because i couldn't hold it properly when he's fixing his horse carriage

[@Kyryyn_Lyyh]

Thanks for ‘illuminating’ what it is Holmes keeps referring to.

[@markreynolds3850]

👍interesting article on dark lantern

[@fawziekefli2273]

Oh. Not a supervillain, then.

[@davestelling]

Very nicely done, Mark.
You have some wonderful lanterns in your collection and I've enjoyed seeing them...

[@acersalman8258]

Good lamps

[@reclude2059]

Dude this was a fascinating watch. I had no clue these were like such a major thing!

[@BonannoCM]

Oil lamps, new and antique, of every description are still on the market. And collectors and users abound for all of them. Is anyone manufacturing reproductions of these dark lanterns?

[@kailashpatirai]

Thank u for educational video 🧡👍️

[@MarkRWilliams]

At the end of the original article, there is a link to a seller who makes modern reproductions of dark lanterns: darklanterntales.wordpress.com/what-is-a-dark-lantern/

[@MarkRWilliams]

I’m not selling the reproductions, just pointing out the source. Those folks sell and make all sorts of lanterns and supplies, and the police lantern reproductions have been used for film production, I believe.

[@tecnisdaimondm.g9321]

👍

[@trog69]

I was really hoping for a demonstration of the dark lantern lit up. Leaving disappointed.

[@atomier]

I love this.

[@johnrutledge3892]

Enjoyed this . Thanks