Doing a google search for railway lanterns, I've noticed one that has a clear glass but with a red "bullseye" target in the middle of one side (see link). What would this type of lantern be used for, as opposed to one with just a completely red globe?Thanks.http://antiques-internet.com/colorado/r ... IP1506.htm[/url]

I hadn't seen one with a red lens but I have a CPR Adlake Model 200 short globe lantern that has a clear magnifying lens on it. Actually makes a fairly good beam of light.Richard

Hi Jason,Your link address would not offer up a photo - but - from your description, I imagine your lantern is similar in function to a "track walker's" lantern we have at our Museum. Ours is a large kerosene lantern with a tall chimney. A tin reflector surrounds the sides and back of the fixture, flooding the "white" light forward so the employee can see the tracks and roadbed. In the reflector there is a round opening. At that place in the chimney, at the focal point of the wick (flame), there is a lens. A red filter assembly move into and out of the opening in the reflector.When the track gang needed a pin point white light, the "red" lens was moved up and out of the way and a strong beam was delivered. While walking and inspecting the tracks, the "red" lens was put in place, the beam was now red, shining to the rear of the walking employee, providing a steady "red" warning signal to any approaching train or track car. de Don, n2qhvRMLIRailroad Museum of Long Island

Different color bullseye lens were also used by fire companies for identification and signaling. I've seen lanterns that were labeled "railway" lanterns but are actually fire company lanterns.