A fine example of a Western European hand lantern of the 17th or 18th century. This item is comprised of two main parts, the cylindrical iron outer body to which the handle is attached, and the similarly shaped inner core which holds the glass window and the six-petaled lid of the lantern.

The inner core rotates within the outer body so that the window may be concealed to varying degrees when less light is required. The iron lid is decorated with repoussé curves at the bottom of each petal, the petals themselves acting as vents to both release smoke and let in oxygen.

The body of the piece has been adorned with applied stamped-copper decoration in filigree-like patterns in addition to some decorative framing around the window and top and bottom of the lantern. The handle has been wrapped in leather, stitched in the front and ending in Turk's head knots at each end.

A similar example can be found on page 331 of 'Decorative Antique Ironwork: A Pictorial Treasury' by Henry-René D'Allemagne.

France or Germany, 17th - 18th century.

H: 11 1/4 in., (28.6 cm.)