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Fresnel Lenses, Color Shades, Globes, Lamps, Lanterns, etc

We are continually acquiring wonderful and rare  original antiques and implements US Light-House Establishment, Life-Saving Service, Revenue Cutter Service, U.S. Coast Guard and Navy. Below are photos and information. Inquiries welcomed.

An Amazing Book: 

13205. Levitt, Theresa. A Short Bright Flash - Augustin Fresnel and the Birth of the Modern Lighthouse. W.W. Norton. 2013. 288p. With 60 illustrations and 6 maps. Augustin Fresnel (1788–1827) shocked the scientific elite with his unique understanding of the physics of light. The lens he invented was a brilliant feat of engineering that made lighthouses blaze many times brighter, farther, and more efficiently. Battling the establishment, his own poor health, and the limited technology of the time, Fresnel was able to achieve his goal of illuminating the entire French coast. At first, the British sought to outdo the new Fresnel-equipped lighthouses as a matter of national pride. Americans, too, resisted abandoning their primitive lamps, but the superiority of the Fresnel lens could not be denied for long. Soon, from Dunkirk to Saigon, shores were brightened with it. The Fresnel legacy played an important role in geopolitical events, including the American Civil War. No sooner were Fresnel lenses finally installed along U.S. shores than they were drafted: the Union blockaded the Confederate coast; the Confederacy set about thwarting it by dismantling and hiding or destroying the powerful new lights. Levitt’s scientific and historical account, rich in anecdote and personality, brings to life the fascinating untold story of Augustin Fresnel and his powerful invention. Quality and contents make this an extraordinary read and a MUST for any lighthouse organization. (M). $25.95. (x)

24169r. AGA 2KW Fog Signal System Instruction Manual. AGA. 1970’s. Complete with drawings, fold-out circuit diagrams, 1973. 100 pages (approx.). Post bound. $115.

24169u. AGA Flashers for open flame acetylene. Cat. No. 301. 27p. Spiral bound. Parts photos with parts lists. No year noted. High quality copy. $65. 

24169j. Theory of Operation and Servicing Instructions Wallace & Tiernan 2-Mile Fog Horn. c.1963. 112p. with one fold-out plan. Illustrated, many planes and plates. W&T post binding. $120

24169n. Wallace & Tiernan. Electric Beacon Calculaide (calculator). Circular sliding calculator is used to calculate the required battery capacity for electric beacon installation where the amperage of the lamp, the flashing characteristic and the desired service period are known. Can also calculate service perios and battery capacity. Excellent condition – unused – in original packaging. $85.

24169v. Lighted Aids to Navigation – GRS Range Lanterns Pamphlet 753. General Railway Signal Company. Rochester, NY, May 1953. 55 pages. Spiral bound. These were used along rivers and harbor entrances. Includes lantern types with specs. and parts drawings, determining candlepower and range, power supplies, bulbs, installation, wiring, parts lists. $85.

24169q. Aids to Marine Navigation. Tideland Signal Company. 88 pages. 20+ years old. c.2000. Sales manual and brochures, specifications, etc. Includes Lighted Beacons of all types, Floating Aids, Radio Aids, Audible Aids, Power Supplies, Support Structures, Control Systems. In Tideland spiral binder. $120 

24169k. Aids to Marine Navigation. Tideland Signal Company.  c.2000. Sales manual and brochures, specifications, etc. Includes Lighted Beacons of all types, Floating Aids, Radio Aids, Audible Aids, Power Supplies, Support Structures, Control Systems. In Tideland 3-ring binder. $140

24376-1,2. MARINE SIGNAL LANTERN 155MM TYPE ML-155 CLEAR. Tideland MaxLumina. Unused, new old stock, complete, clear lens and mounting bar for 4 or 6-place bulb holder (not included). Marine ATON lantern is used in thousands of installations worldwide in lighthouses, and to mark buoys, offshore structures, channels, bridges, barges and docks. This original lantern contains a highly efficient clear 360°  acrylic fresnel lens which is single piece injection molded with 1”bird spike. Base is heavy duty PVC, gasketed. Lantern is 155 mm size and stands approximately 18" to top of cap. Base is molded from UV-stabilized fiberglass and polyester resin compound with an overall diameter of approximately 10”. Acrylic lens measures 11" high by approximately 6 ½” in diameter. A great lamp for a lighthouse, or for your den, or perfect for yard or post light, wharf, barn or driveway and will be striking when lit. As new, never used, in original box. (F-). $165.

24376q. SOLAR POWERED MARINE SIGNAL LANTERN 155MM TYPE FA-249 RED (not shown)  WITH 4-PLACE BULB HOLDER AND POWER SUPPLY. c.1970’s. Automatic Power Inc. Model  FA-249-29. Unit is used, complete with controller and APCL-5   4-place selectable bulb holder and power supply (includes original bulbs). Lantern is mounted on heavy aluminum base with two 10” square photovoltaic panels. Marine ATON lanterns are used in thousands of installations worldwide in lighthouses, and to mark buoys, offshore structures, channels, bridges, barges and docks. This original lantern contains a highly efficient clear 360  acrylic fresnel lens which is single piece injection molded with 1”bird spike. Base is heavy duty PVC, gasketed. Lantern is 155 mm size and stands approximately 18" to top of cap. Base is molded from UV-stabilized fiberglass and polyester resin compound with an overall diameter of approximately 10”. Acrylic lens measures 11" high by approximately 6 ½” in diameter. Overall height of entire unit 28”. Beacon is used, light wear but appears serviceable. No warranty is implied. Unknown if electronics are operational. Unit will need a battery unit, which is not included. With a little cleaning and work, a great lamp for a lighthouse, etc. Perfect for yard or post light, wharf, barn or driveway and will be striking when lit. (VG+). $465.

23278e. U. S. COAST GUARD TYPE BLUE 200 MM BU-48 BUOY / AID TO NAVIGATION LANTERN. c.1940-60’s. Large, vintage bronze lantern was used as a buoy or pier light as an aid to navigation. This striking original bronze lantern contains a large, blue  360°  glass Fresnel lens. Casting is heavy duty bronze, and is not marked except “1050-2”. Lantern is 200 mm size and stands 20 ½”  to top without  bird spike, which is missing. Overall diameter approximately 9". Lens measures 7” high by approximately 8 5/8” " in outside diameter. Lens has no cracks or chips but has been abraded by wind and water. Complete including tie rods but without top bird spike and lamp changer. Would polish nicely, a great lamp for your den, or for the wharf, barn or driveway and will be striking when lit. It is most unusual to find these bronze lanterns of the early Coast Guard era. (VG).  $595.

24376m. MARINE SIGNAL  LANTERN 155MM TYPE ML-155 RED WITH 6-PLACE BULB HOLDER AND POWER SUPPLY. c.1990’s. Serial #14469  Tideland MaxLumina. Lightly used, complete with controller and 6-place bulb holder and power supply (includes original bulbs). Marine ATON lantern is used in thousands of installations worldwide in lighthouses, and to mark buoys, offshore structures, channels, bridges, barges and docks. This original lantern contains a highly efficient red 360°  acrylic fresnel lens which is single piece injection molded with 1”bird spike. Base is heavy duty PVC, gasketed. Lantern is 155 mm size and stands approximately 18" to top of cap. Base is molded from UV-stabilized fiberglass and polyester resin compound with an overall diameter of approximately 10”. Acrylic lens measures 11" high by approximately 6 ½” in diameter. Beacon is used, light wear but appears serviceable. Unknown if electronics are operational. With a little cleaning and work, a great lamp for a lighthouse, or for your den, or perfect for yard or post light, wharf, barn or driveway and will be striking when lit. Price new was $2,552. (VG+). $285.

24376t. MARINE SIGNAL  LANTERN 155MM TYPE ML-155 RED c.2006. Tideland Max Lumina. Unused, new old stock c.2006, complete red lens and mounting bar for 4 or 6-place bulb holder (not included). Marine ATON lantern is used in thousands of installations worldwide in lighthouses, and to mark buoys, offshore structures, channels, bridges, barges and docks. This original lantern contains a highly efficient red 360°  acrylic Fresnel lens which is single piece injection molded with 1”bird spike. Base is heavy duty PVC, gasketed. Lantern is 155 mm size and stands approximately 18" to top of cap. Base is molded from UV-stabilized fiberglass and polyester resin compound with an overall diameter of approximately 10”. Acrylic lens measures 11" high by approximately 6 ½” in diameter. A great lamp for a lighthouse, or for your den, or perfect for yard or post light, wharf, barn or driveway and will be striking when lit. As new, never used, in original box. (F-). $165.

1060. Operating Manual. MARINE SIGNAL  LANTERN FA-249, 155MM TYPE WITH AUTO-CHANGER. c.1960’s. Penwalt Automatic Power Corp., Houston, Texas. 32p. Complete operating, repair and parts manual includes complete repair procedures, wiring and parts diagrams, everything one would need to operate and repair the above marine beacon. The FA-249 series marine lantern incorporates an efficient acrylic optical system with a precision molded Lexan plastic base. Candlepower values exceed those of a conventional 200mm glass lens. Should be quite useful for Amerace, Tideland, and other similar marine beacons as well. Valuable information. (spiral bound photocopy $9.

Other lamps and lanterns available. Please see our Antiques page. 

Glass Fresnel Lenses Available:

For additional information and photos of each lens, please see below.

SR-556. GLASS FRESNEL BUOY or DRUM LENS CLEAR. Beautiful clear glass Fresnel drum lens for use in lamps and other Lighthouse Service and Coast Guard buoy / aid to navigation lantern lamps and lanterns, etc. This style of lens was used in smaller beacons and lights, as well as in numerous buoys and navigational lights using acetylene burners, electric, etc. The lens measures outside rim diameter of 7 15/16” , inside diameter range from 7” – 7 3/8” and height of 6 ½”. Lens is one piece, prism completely intact, clean, one chip, a few bubbles in glass. A great piece, perfect to repair your  lamp or for use in your own lighthouse or for display. Weight about 7 lbs. (VG). $145.

SR-557. GLASS FRESNEL BUOY or DRUM LENS CLEAR. Beautiful clear glass Fresnel drum lens for use in lamps and other Lighthouse Service and Coast Guard buoy / aid to navigation lantern lamps and lanterns, etc. This style of lens was used in smaller beacons and lights, as well as in numerous buoys and navigational lights using acetylene burners, electric, etc. The lens measures outside rim diameter of 8” , inside diameter range from 7” – 7 ¼” and height of 6 ½”. Lens is one piece, prism completely intact, clean, no chips, closed crack. A great piece, perfect to repair your  lamp or for use in your own lighthouse or for display. Weight about 7 lbs. (VG). $150.

2640-11. GLASS FRESNEL BUOY or DRUM LENS RED. Beautiful red glass Fresnel drum lens for use in lamps and other lanterns, etc. The lens measures outside rim diameter of  5 ¼” – 5 3/8”, inside diameter range from 4 ½” – 4 ¾”  and height of 5 7/8”. Lens is one piece, prism completely intact, clean, no chips except one on rim where hidden by mounting. May be new old stock. Lens is marked “Corning” and “4072-L-8”. A beautiful piece, perfect for use in your own lighthouse or for display. (F-). $135.

SR-539. GLASS FRESNEL BUOY or DRUM LENS CLEAR. Beautiful clear glass Fresnel drum lens for use in lamps and other Lighthouse Service and Coast Guard buoy / aid to navigation lantern lamps and lanterns, etc. This style of lens was used in smaller beacons and lights, as well as in numerous buoys and navigational lights using acetylene burners, electric, etc. The lens measures outside rim diameter of 8”, inside diameter range from 7” – 7 3/8” and height of 6 ½”. Lens is one piece, prism completely intact, clean, no significant  chips. A great piece, perfect to repair your  lamp or for use in your own lighthouse or for display. Weight about 7 lbs. (VG+). $180.

SR-540. GLASS FRESNEL BUOY or DRUM LENS CLEAR. Beautiful clear glass Fresnel drum lens for use in lamps and other Lighthouse Service and Coast Guard buoy / aid to navigation lantern lamps and lanterns, etc. This style of lens was used in smaller beacons and lights, as well as in numerous buoys and navigational lights using acetylene burners, electric, etc. The lens measures outside rim diameter of 8”, inside diameter range from 7” – 7 3/8” and height of 6 3/8”. Lens is one piece, prism completely intact, clean, only one very slight chip. A great piece, perfect to repair your  lamp or for use in your own lighthouse or for display. Weight about 7 lbs. (VG+). $180.

2640-5. GLASS FRESNEL LAMP OR LANTERN DRUM LENS RED. Beautiful red glass Fresnel drum lens for use in lamps and lanterns, etc. The lens measures outside rim diameter of 3 ¼” inside diameter range from 2 3/8” top to 3” bottom and height of 3 ¾”. Lens is one piece, prism completely intact, clean, as new. Marked Dietz Night Watch Fresnel, Syracuse, NY. USA. A great piece, perfect to repair your lamp or for use in your own lighthouse or for display. (F-). $38.

2640z. QUALITY GLASS FRESNEL BUOY or DRUM LENS CLEAR. Beautiful clear glass Fresnel drum lens for use in lamps and other Lighthouse Service and Coast Guard buoy / aid to navigation lantern lamps and lanterns, etc. This style of lens was used in smaller beacons and lights, as well as in numerous buoys and navigational lights using acetylene burners, electric, etc. The lens measures outside rim diameter of 8 5/8”, inside diameter range from 7 11/16” – 8” and height of 8 3/8”. Lens marked “Perko Perkins MLD 28 No. 3 Anchor Fig 261”. Lens is one piece, prism completely intact, clean, only three slight chips. A great piece, perfect to repair your  lamp or for use in your own lighthouse or for display. Weight about 12 lbs. (VG+). $255.

2640-3. GLASS FRESNEL BUOY or DRUM LENS BLUE. As new – new old stock in original box. Beautiful blue glass Fresnel drum lens for use in lamps and other Lighthouse Service and Coast Guard buoy / aid to navigation lantern lamps and lanterns, etc. This style of lens was used in smaller beacons and lights, as well as in numerous buoys and navigational lights using acetylene burners, electric, etc. The lens measures approximately 200mm, outside diameter of 7 ½”, inside diameter 6 11/16 – 6 7/8”, and height of 7 3/8”. Lens is one piece, prism completely clean, as new. A great piece, perfect to repair your  lamp or for use in your own lighthouse or for display. Weight about 7 lbs. (F-). $245. (x)

2640-1. GLASS FRESNEL BUOY or DRUM LENS RED. Beautiful red glass Fresnel drum lens for use in lamps and other Lighthouse Service and Coast Guard buoy / aid to navigation lantern lamps and lanterns, etc. This style of lens was used in smaller beacons and lights, as well as in numerous buoys and navigational lights using acetylene burners, electric, etc. The lens measures outside rim diameter of 7 ½”, inside diameter range from 6 11/16” – 6 7/8” and height of 8 3/8”. Lens is one piece, prism completely intact, clean, only two slight chips, a few paint spots, light wear. A great piece, perfect to repair your  lamp or for use in your own lighthouse or for display. Weight about 7 lbs. (VG+). $175.

2640y. QUALITY 200mm GLASS FRESNEL BUOY or DRUM LENS CLEAR. Beautiful clear glass Fresnel drum lens for use in lamps and other Lighthouse Service and Coast Guard buoy / aid to navigation lantern lamps and lanterns, etc. This style of lens was used in smaller beacons and lights, as well as in numerous buoys and navigational lights using acetylene burners, electric, etc. The lens measures approximately 200mm inside rim diameter of 8”, outside rim diameter 8 5/8” and height of 8 3/8”. Lens marked “Durkee Marine Products Corp, NY.”. Lens is one piece, prism completely intact, clean, only a three small ¾” – 1” chips. A great piece, perfect to repair your  lamp or for use in your own lighthouse or for display. Weight about 11 lbs. (VG+). $265.

2640n. QUALITY  CLEAR GLASS FRESNEL BUOY or DRUM LENS. Beautiful clear glass Fresnel drum lens for use in Lighthouse Service and Coast Guard buoy / aid to navigation lantern lamps and lanterns, etc. This style of lens was used in smaller beacons and lights, as well as in numerous buoys and navigational lights using acetylene burners. The lens measures approximately 225mm inside diameter or 9” id, 9 ¼” rim od, 7” high. Lens is one piece, prism completely intact, a just few very slight chips as expected but does not detract. A great piece, perfect to repair your lamp or for use in your own lighthouse or for display. Weight about 8 lbs. (VG+). (1 available) $275.

2640i. QUALITY 200mm GLASS FRESNEL BUOY or DRUM LENS RED. Beautiful red glass Fresnel drum lens for use in and other Lighthouse Service and Coast Guard buoy / aid to navigation lantern lamps and lanterns, etc. This style of lens was used in smaller beacons and lights, as well as in numerous buoys and navigational lights using acetylene burners, electric, etc. The lens measures approximately 200mm outside diameter or 6 15/16” id, 7 5/16” rim od, 6” high. Lens is one piece, prism completely intact, clean. A great piece, perfect to repair your  lamp or for use in your own lighthouse or for display. Weight about 7.5 lbs. (VG+). $165.

2640J. QUALITY 200mm GLASS FRESNEL BUOY or DRUM LENS CLEAR. Beautiful clear glass Fresnel drum lens for use in lamps and other Lighthouse Service and Coast Guard buoy / aid to navigation lantern lamps and lanterns, etc. This style of lens was used in smaller beacons and lights, as well as in numerous buoys and navigational lights using acetylene burners, electric, etc. The lens measures approximately 200mm outside diameter or 6 3/8” id, 7 1/16” rim od, 6” high. Lens is one piece, prism completely intact, clean, some chipping. Marked “Corning Made in USA Todd”. A great piece, perfect to repair your  lamp or for use in your own lighthouse or for display. Weight about 7.5 lbs. (VG). $145.

SALE!  Booklets by Tom Tag - Fresnel Lenses & Lighting...

~ Early American Lighthouse Illumination ~ 

Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log, Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has put together much of this information in seven publications which detail the entire subject, from lamps and fuels, to burners, lens apparatus, manufacturing processes and more. This is a superb collection that answers the questions that many of us have been asking for some time, and will serve as a reference on the subject for years to come. Each of the booklets includes a complete set of footnotes defining the sources of the data for those interested in further research. 

Normally priced at $26 each - now on sale for $18 each. Click here to see our Tom Tag page. 

Page updated March 18, 2022

Procedure to order items:

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Kenrick A. Claflin & Son Nautical Antiques
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Phone (508) 792-6627

All text and illustrations on web site Ó James W. Claflin . 03/18/2022 All rights reserved. Use prohibited without written permission.