Einheitslaterne
Einheitslaterne Signal Lamp Set – Vintage Military Lantern Kit with Multi-Fuel Options
The Einheitslaterne boxes were used by the German armed forces (Wehrmacht) as field and emergency lighting during World War II and later. They contained a signal lantern capable of operating on multiple fuel sources (candles, Hindenburg lights, kerosene, and carbide) and came with various accessories and spare parts. These lamps were intended for use in bunkers, field positions, and march security, where electric lighting was not available.
The boxes served as storage and transport cases for the lantern and all its components, ensuring soldiers in the field always had a reliable light source. They were often referred to as “Bunker Lanterns” and were standard equipment for many Wehrmacht and ground force units.
The Einheitslaterne was produced in various versions over time. Until World War II, they were typically made of Bakelite; afterward, they were mostly manufactured from sheet steel. Most examples you’ll find come in a metal case containing a wide range of signaling accessories, including arrows and colored glass lenses.
These kits in a metal box appeared in several variations, although the differences were minor. They were generally produced between 1950 and 1970. What is certain, is that the manufacturer Osmeka produced these sets, as some examples are clearly marked with the Osmeka name.
Osmeka stands for Osnabrücker Metallwerke J. Kampschulte & Co., a German manufacturer based in Osnabrück. The company operated from around 1919 until the late 1960s and primarily produced lamps for the Deutsche Reichsbahn and later the Deutsche Bundesbahn, including kerosene and acetylene lamps for various applications.
The box often bears the following marking: “Versorgungs-Nr. 6260-12-120-7905.”
This number indicates:
- 6260: Lighting equipment
- 12: West Germany
- 120-7905: Product number
You may also find the following stamps on the box:
- OSN 64 – This likely stands for Osnabrück, 1964.
- Weimar Eagle – The coat of arms of Germany.
- BWB – Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung / Federal Office for Military Technology and Procurement – a German government agency of the armed forces responsible for the acquisition and technological development of defense equipment.
- BMVtdg – Bundesministerium der Verteidigung / Federal Ministry of Defense
