Tung Woo Nautical Running Lamps
These are two copper lights, one starboard with red glass and a label that reads “Tung Woo – Hong Kong – No. B1070 Starboard”. The other one has blue glass and a label that reads “Tung Woo – Hong Kong – No. K1158 Port.” I read that the glass was blue because the original oil lamp flame was yellow and yellow light going through blue glass was brighter than using just green glass.
The hole top of each light opens on a hinge to one side. Then the “smoke stack” top also opens on a hinge. They measure 15” inches tall from bottom to the top of the handle. Width – the flat sides measure out from the back corner about 6” inches. On the back of one of the flat sides of each lamp is a mounting bracket that at one point attached to something of which I am not in possession. But that does have a threaded center hole.
These appear to have been at one point oil/kerosene fueled lamps which were converted into electrical lamps. Smaller ones apparently were used on river boats while the larger ones were used on ocean going vessels. These have a nice aged patina and no damage. The glass lenses have no cracks or chips that I can see.
I found what appears to be a pair being offered for sale at $899.00 at: http://www.docklights.com/product.php?productid=65&cat=14&page=1
