Bidspirit auction | 1917 Justrite Nickel Plated Brass

1917 Justrite Nickel Plated Brass Carbide Lantern with Bullseye Lens - An American nickel-plated brass carbide mining or inspection lantern featuring a protective wire cage housing a cylindrical glass globe. The unit is equipped with a prominent bullseye magnifying lens and an internal brass reflector disc. The lantern is constructed in two primary sections: a top housing assembly with a knurled adjustment knob and a threaded lower fuel canister base. The collar of the housing features an impressed mark reading JUSTRITE followed by PATENTED JUNE 5 1917 and MADE IN U.S.A. (photo 2, 3). The glass globe is molded with a raised mark reading JUSTRITE (photo 9). A leather strap is secured to the vented top cap. The interior of the lower canister reveals a smaller internal fuel chamber (photo 7). Height: 9.5 inches (15.5 inches including bail handle) Base diameter: 4 inches. The lantern is in excellent structural condition with no cracks, chips, or breaks to the glass globe or bullseye lens (photo 1, 4). The nickel plating shows significant oxidation, pitting, and surface wear consistent with age and utility, particularly visible on the upper housing and base (photo 2, 3). The lower rim of the fuel base shows minor deformation and unevenness (photo 6, 10). The interior of the fuel chamber and burner assembly shows heavy carbon buildup and residue from historical use (photo 7, 8). The wire cage and bail handle remain securely attached.