Vintage Deutsche Bundesbahn End-of-Train Lantern, 1983 – Kerosene Railway Lamp with Kosmos-Brenner – Complete

A kerosene tail lamp (Zugschlusslaterne) from the Deutsche Bundesbahn, dating from 1983. Below the red glass, the letters DB are embossed, with 83 underneath to indicate the year. The lamp is complete and has an attractive, well-worn appearance.

This type of lantern was mounted on the side of the last carriage of a train to mark the end of the train, with signals visible from both the front and the rear. In German, it is also known as an Oberwagenlaterne.

The square black housing has a round chimney on top with a row of ventilation holes and a wire carrying handle. One face has a round red glass, while the opposite face has a round white glass. The two sides are painted red and white, divided diagonally. The back consists of a hinged door with a hook latch. The housing stands on feet.

Inside is a brass wick burner with a crown-shaped gallery and a glass chimney. The wick adjustment wheel is marked KOSMOS-BRENNER. The burner is mounted on a flat, round fuel tank at the bottom of the housing.

The lamp shows signs of age and use. The paint on the sides is weathered, adding to its character.

Specifications
Type: railway tail lamp, Zugschlusslaterne (Oberwagenlaterne)

Railway: Deutsche Bundesbahn

Date: 1983

Marking: DB 83

Light source: kerosene, with a brass wick burner marked KOSMOS-BRENNER

Glass: round red glass and round white glass

Height: 45 cm, excluding the handle

Width: 19 cm