Extremely Rare Signal Lantern by Fr. Weber & Co., Berlin – With Colored Lenses & Fully Working (c. 1900–1930)

An exceptionally rare signal lantern manufactured by Fr. Weber & Co., Berlin, complete with colored glass lenses and in full working condition.
Lamps of this type and quality are seldom seen, especially in such authentic original form.

This beautiful lantern features a wooden handle, copper rivets, and a robust metal body. The burner and wick holder are original and fully functional, allowing the lamp to be operated from the outside — exactly as intended.

Two metal shutters are included, designed to block off the side openings when needed.

This lantern was almost certainly used as a signal lamp, likely for traffic control or railway shunting operations. It comes with three separate lenses:

• Two red lenses (one with full metal rim and hanging eye, one with partial rim)
• One green lens (with approximately ¾ of its original metal rim remaining)

A spring mechanism in the rear holder keeps each lens securely in place, and they can be slid in front of the main lamp opening to display the desired signal color.

Fr. Weber & Co. Berlin was a German metalworks manufacturer active roughly between 1890 and 1950, known for producing munitions, weapons, and oil lamps.
This piece aligns stylistically and technically with production from 1900–1930.

The handle also features a hanging loop, and the back shows two solder marks, suggesting an additional mounting bracket may once have been attached.

Naturally, the lantern shows light signs of age, adding to its historical charm. One of the small rings on a shutter plate is a later replacement.

A remarkable collector’s item with strong historic appeal — yet still perfectly suitable as atmospheric lighting in your home, garden, or on holiday.

Height (excluding handle): 29 cm
Manufacturer: Fr. Weber & Co., Berlin, Germany
Estimated production date: 1900–1930
Condition: Vintage with age‑related wear; working order