'Both Ways Lantern', magazine partition lamp, 1890 (c)

Made by George Burt, Birmingham, 1890 (c).

Lanterns like these were first introduced in 1871 and were used to light passageways in magazine areas in Fortifications and gun batteries. The lamp was used in situations where light was required in two opposing directions, such as lamp closets above the doorways in magazines. The term 'Both Ways Lantern' is because the lantern has glazed sides opposite each other and two metal plated sides. It was fitted with a candle which would burn for up to eight hours.