The timeless style of storm lanterns

Blending elegant form with functionality, industrial-chic storm lanterns are the essential traditional lighting for summer nights outdoors

Storm lanterns ooze nostalgic character, hint at adventure, create a warm old-fashioned glow, and embody the very essence of elegant functionality that so many of us seek these days.

Vintage German Feuerhand lanterns are the easiest to get hold of today because they were manufactured in such vast quantities. Silverware maker Carl Hermann Nier began manufacturing miner’s lamps in 1877 and established the Nier-Feuerhand company in 1902, which was later run by his three sons, Curt, Bruno and Woldemar. The firm holds many patents including one for the clever globe-lifting crank system. They also made coloured glass lanterns  – in red, green, blue or yellow – during World War II for signalling.

The Baby Special Feuerhand 276 is perhaps the ‘classic’ storm lantern and combines practicality with perfect design. Its sophisticated construction ensures an economical kerosene consumption, so it can burn for 20 hours on just one tankful of lamp oil. As the name ‘storm lantern’ suggests, it’s weatherproof too, as the flame burns steadily even in very strong winds and it’s resistant to rust thanks to a galvanised finish.

Of course, storm lanterns were manufactured elsewhere around the world. Nick McGrath of Tramps UK has a good range of vintage American models in stock. ‘They always sell well,’ he says. ‘People love their character and they’re perfect for outdoor lighting. You can upcycle them to take a low-wattage bulb or an LED light. There’s very little difference between the German and American lanterns except that the American ones seem to come in larger sizes.’

The demand for vintage lanterns is so high that Feuerhand recently introduced a huge range of new 276 lanterns in a rainbow of bright colours, including hot pink and pastel blue, but traditionalists will be drawn to vintage-style hues in the new collection such as olive green and charcoal grey.

If you want an original old lantern, Etsy is a great hunting ground for all styles, or browse at vintage fairs or flea markets.

Storm lanterns were (and still are) built to last. As long as they’re not too rusty and the oil reservoir isn’t damaged, you can still use them today. Take them camping or hang them in the garden on a summer’s evening. But remember to never leave a lit lantern unattended and don’t use lit lanterns inside your home or tent. If you prefer, empty the reservoir and use battery-operated LED lights instead of kerosene.

WORDS: ELLIE TENNANT