Smiths Wootton Lantern
Smith Wootton Police Lamp
Name/Title
Smiths Wootton LanternEntry/Object ID
2025.1.876Description
A Vintage 1930's Police lamp known as The Wootton Lantern. It is a 2 volt electric lamp accumulator which came into use in 1920. Rectangular in shape the lamp is painted black and has two wire carrying handles and a large clip for attachment to a belt. The really clever bit is the knurled ring which, when rotated, moved the reflector and will focus the bulb for extra range.This is what the patent is for.Context
The lamp itself was designed by George Arthur Henry Wootton who was the Assistant (Chief) Engineer of the Metropolitan Police in the 1920s. The patent carries the date of 23rd November, 1922. The manufacturer of these lamps, Smith’s and Son was situated in Cricklewood. The top is released by pushing a button on the side, see one of the photographs. On the top is a rotating on off switch which operates smoothly. There is a compartment in the front under the lens which holds a spare bulb, which is present. The light can be focused by twisting the lens cover on the front, this rotates as it should and the lenses moves forward and back to focus as it should.Cataloged By
Felix LamCategory
Identity, Tools