Railway Reading Lamp
Name/Title
Railway Reading LampEntry/Object ID
2025.1.791Description
"Crab" Railway Reading LampContext
Railway carriages in the nineteenth century were lit by gas or oil light which could flicker or be too dull to read by. These transportable reading candles allowed passengers to bring their own light source on journeys with the candle holder conveniently weighted to sit at the edge of the book to illuminate the words on the page. Station bookstalls such as W.H. Smith sold these candles along with newspapers, books and periodicals. Candle lamp, Crab Railway Reading Lamp. Red leatherette and card box containing candle, brass crocodile clip candle holder and silvered vesta box case with matches (Bryant & May's). Made by The Patent Safety Candle Grip Company, London. Sold by W H Smith.Cataloged By
Colin WhittleCategory
Domestic