Pierced copper tin hanging lamp with 16 glass jewels made from 1880s Railroad lamp

This electric jeweled hanging pendant lamp is an amazing piece of folk art with historic railroad connections. The housing started life in the 1880s as a railroad semaphore lamp / signal lantern produced by the N. Of New Haven Conn (it is stamped as such on the base). Later, likely early in the 20th Century, an artisan turned it into a folk-art lamp by piercing the housing and adding 16 large multi-colored glass jewels (red, blue and yellow) and a milk-glass base.

It's these colorful jewels that really set this lamp apart, as the photos show. The unit has been electrified and now uses a standard screw-in light bulb. When turned on, the light passing through the glass jewels casts a multicolored array of light all around the room, complimenting the white light coming out of the. The overall effect is similar to a traditional Moroccan lamp, but with bursts of color that give it a distinctly American twist.

The housing is made of patinated copper maybe brass? And is 12" tall and 6" in diameter. The lamp socket, cord and plug were replaced about 10 years ago and are in good condition. The cord is 10 feet long and runs through a 12 chain for suspending the unit from a hook (this chain could be shortened or removed as desired).

A door with latch allows access to the pull cord switch and bulb. It comes with a 25-watt chandelier-style bulb in it, but you could go higher wattage if you wish. This is a really distinctive and interesting lamp, and a great piece of Primitive Folk Art Americana, Railroadiana, Railwayana with a Boho vibe. Please see all the pictures to appreciate what this is.

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