lantern info

[Silas]

Under eaten lanterns

I think we underate the use of lanterns, of whatever degree.

And the factual basis for your conclusion is what?

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: lantern info

In my years in the hobby the only time I have ever needed a candle was for reading the roll call before sunrise. And in truth, I think a veteran would have had that roll memorized by then.

In other words, let your eyes get used to the dark.

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

Re: lantern info

Robert,

I totally agree.... I've used a candle to find somthing in my knapsack in the pitch black (no moon.) I also used a candle while cooking rations at night so I could tell if the meat was done. Other than that, I don't feel the need to use any candles or lanterns. I just stumble around. :tounge_sm

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: lantern info

Robert,

I totally agree.... I've used a candle to find somthing in my knapsack in the pitch black (no moon.) I also used a candle while cooking rations at night so I could tell if the meat was done. Other than that, I don't feel the need to use any candles or lanterns. I just stubble around. :tounge_sm

I have had pards that use candles to great effect when lighting wet campfires. I know candles were part of the dailey ration, but they always end up as a puddle of moosh on the bottom of my knapsack. I will trade you my candles for your soap!

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Re: Under eaten lanterns

And the factual basis for your conclusion is what?

I know carrying a large wooden lantern or even a large tin lantern is probably impractical for long marches and such. But they were sure to have existed in winter encampments and in a few rare circumstances probably were carried with company gear. I stated my comment, because so many people are anti-lantern use. We know they used them, it is just trying to represent the use of them authentically. None of us want farbism, but there are times when a simple candle may not be enough. Several museums across the state of Va. have period lanterns of all shapes and sizes, it all boils down to how much one wanted to or was allowed to carry.

Thanks,

Paul B. Boulden Jr.

[Silas]

No, it's the scenario

... it all boils down to how much one wanted to or was allowed to carry.

If you're trying to portray a soldier on campaign, you're not going to carry some "botha" wood lantern with "perod" glass. You're going to use a candle if you have one, or make a grease pot from your extra pork fat if you've got that.

If you're talking about portraying a soldier in a true garrison, things are different. Lanterns were likely to be found as well as uncovered candles.

If you're talking about reenacting in one of the so called "garrison camps" (Orwell would love that phrase), now you've got trouble. One man to a tent isn't garrison. All those funky wooden chairs with the curved back aren't garrison. All that iron isn't garrison.

You've got to decide what it is you are trying to portray and go from there. How do you decide? It's the Scenario. What did they were at that time and place? How did they eat? What was their morale? Are they new to the field or veterans? There are a whole host of things which need to be considered.

Are lanterns under or over represented? Depends upon the scenario. If the scenario is some battle, lanterns possessed by a common soldier are highly unlikely. If a living history, lanterns may be okay if they fit the scenario. If they don't fit, they don't belong.

[Steven Dacus]

Re: lantern info

In coming across this thread, I believe the original question has yet to be answered; which I too would be interested in knowing as our unit does much of our living history at a western garrison in which was occupied from 1862-1866. The garrison consisted of permanent log cabins (which some still stand today). As was previously mentioned, many museums or large garrisons (including the one we go to) have many lanterns in them to "portray what it was like". Personally, I am questioning their authenticity as they look very "farby". In a quest to find out what was actually authentic, I have come across a lot of material that is very broad and much of it doesn't seem to address the specifics.

I am currently at a loss for what was authentic for a lantern of that period WHEN LANTERNS WERE USED.

I believe that we know that they were rare on campaign and even not widely used extensively in extended camps, but what I am asking is...when they were used, what did they look like and what kind were they?

I would be happy to keep looking into finding documentation on what style of lanterns were the most common, but need some guidance as I am at a dead end currently. The main reason for this is to make sure that the musuem/garrison that we do much work at is correct for the many lanterns that they have staged around the cabins.

Thanks ahead of time for your help

[Lewis Robinson]

Re: lantern info

Here is one example:





From Shorpy.com

November 1863. Culpeper, Virginia (vicinity). "Contrabands [runaway slaves]." The man on the right is identified in this photo dated October 1863 in Bealeton, Va., as "John Henry, servant, at headquarters, 3d Army Corps, Army of the Potomac." Wet plate glass negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan. Photographs from the main Eastern theater of war, General Meade in Virginia.

[Pvt. Shattuck]

Re: No, it's the scenario

If you're trying to portray a soldier on campaign, you're not going to carry some "botha" wood lantern with "perod" glass. You're going to use a candle if you have one, or make a grease pot from your extra pork fat if you've got that.

If you're talking about portraying a soldier in a true garrison, things are different. Lanterns were likely to be found as well as uncovered candles.

If you're talking about reenacting in one of the so called "garrison camps" (Orwell would love that phrase), now you've got trouble. One man to a tent isn't garrison. All those funky wooden chairs with the curved back aren't garrison. All that iron isn't garrison.

You've got to decide what it is you are trying to portray and go from there. How do you decide? It's the Scenario. What did they were at that time and place? How did they eat? What was their morale? Are they new to the field or veterans? There are a whole host of things which need to be considered.

Are lanterns under or over represented? Depends upon the scenario. If the scenario is some battle, lanterns possessed by a common soldier are highly unlikely. If a living history, lanterns may be okay if they fit the scenario. If they don't fit, they don't belong.

Last month I attended a mainstream event to raise money for the local American Legion Post. A TV reporter asked me, live on the air, if this camp was authentic and in what way it differed from a "real" Civil War camp. I lied my a-- off and told her folks should come on down to experience what life was like for the soldiers back in those days. It just wasn't the time or place to say "Are you kidding, this is a joke." I may be a bad person, but the American Legion raised $2000.:wink_smil