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ID #SA1237238
FOR SALE
£95
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Antique Pocket Torch with Original Candle
For sale by In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
for sale €111     $121
£95
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2016
Browse dealers 262 items
  • About Us
    Selling good quality victorian, georgian and earlier furniture, accessories & decorative items. Ashburton, devon. LAPADA member
  • Trade Associations
    In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
Id #SA1237238
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Antique Pocket Torch with Original Candle

1900 - 1920
Description

An original French "Lantern de Poche" or 'pocket lantern' dating from the early 20th Century. This clever design folds neatly into a pocket and flips open to create a travelling lantern. It has a nickel case with a folding carry handle and its original leather panels on both sides. When it folds out it has the original Mica window panels with “Patent” in gilt lettering (Mica is a mineral which can be split into thin clear fireproof sheets). The back of the lantern has its original candle, a section for matches and a ribbed striker.

It is in good original condition. It has a lovely aged patina and it opens and closes smoothly. There are some signs of age and use, some knocks and marks and some tarnishing but nothing detrimental. There appears to be a patch repair to one corner of the casing but it is strong and sturdy and displays well.

The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions just ask.

Tracked UK Delivery £6

Physical Dimensions
Height
8cm (3.15")
Width
4.5cm (1.77")
Depth
2.5cm (0.98")
Declaration

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this Antique Folding Pocket Lantern to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1237238
Description
An original French "Lantern de Poche" or 'pocket lantern' dating from the early 20th Century. This clever design folds neatly into a pocket and flips open to create a travelling lantern. It has a nickel case with a folding carry handle and its original leather panels on both sides.
“
When it folds out it has the original Mica window panels with “Patent” in gilt lettering (Mica is a mineral which can be split into thin clear fireproof sheets).
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

The back of the lantern has its original candle, a section for matches and a ribbed striker.

fig 1. An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text.
fig 1. Antique Pocket Torch with Original Candle

It is in good original condition. It has a lovely aged patina and it opens and closes smoothly. There are some signs of age and use, some knocks and marks and some tarnishing but nothing detrimental. There appears to be a patch repair to one corner of the casing but it is strong and sturdy and displays well.

The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions just ask.

Tracked UK Delivery £6

Height
8cm (3.15")
Width
4.5cm (1.77")
Depth
2.5cm (0.98")
Date of Manufacture

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this Antique Folding Pocket Lantern to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1237238
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2016

Selling good quality victorian, georgian and earlier furniture, accessories & decorative items. Ashburton, devon. LAPADA member

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors Profile Page

Trade Associations

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

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SAVE
An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text.
1 / 12
Archive I An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text.

Antique Pocket Torch with Original Candle

Archive II An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text. View II
Archive III An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text. View III
Archive IV An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text. View IV
Archive V An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text. View V
Archive VI An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text. View VI
Archive VII An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text. View VII
Archive VIII An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text. View VIII
Archive IX An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text. View IX
Archive X An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text. View X
Archive XI An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text. View XI
Archive XII An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Telephone 07800 561 203 or 01364 654 648
Location
7 North Street
Ashburton
Devon
TQ13 7QJ
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/nutshell
Verified Since Aug 2016
Items For Sale 262
Items Sold 3,717
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Verified Since Aug 2016
View Dealer Info
Location: 7 North Street, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7QJ, United Kingdom, , Opening hours:, Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/nutshell
Verified
Aug 2016
For Sale
262
Sold
3,717
An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text.
Antique Pocket Torch with Original Candle
Ref: SA1237238
An open nickel-plated folding pocket lantern containing a small wax candle and a glass panel stamped with patent text.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectLanterns
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialNickel-plated Brass, Glass, Wax
  • ColourSilver
  • MotifsFolding hinged doors, stamped patent lettering, reflective interior panels
  • SizeH 8 cm (3 in) x W 4.5 cm (2 in) x D 2.5 cm (1 in)

This Victorian pocket lantern, dating from 1920, is a folding French travel piece made from silver nickel-plated brass, glass, and wax. The object is fitted with hinged doors that open to reveal internal reflective panels, a small candle in a circular holder, and glass window panels stamped with patent lettering. Signs of age and use include tarnish, surface knocks, and a patch repair on the casing corner. Measuring 8 cm high, 4.5 cm wide, and 2.5 cm deep, the miniature container sits upright on a bookshelf as a conversational display piece in a gentleman's library or study setting. The compact metal casing operates with a smooth folding mechanism, showing an aged patina across its metallic surfaces while retaining its original functional elements.

FAQs

An antique folding pocket lantern, often referred to as a pocket torch, is a compact, portable lighting device designed in the 19th and early 20th centuries for travellers. These metal cases collapse flat for transport and open to reveal a candle holder, reflective surfaces, and glass panes to shield the flame from wind.

Victorian and Edwardian pocket torches were predominantly constructed from nickel-plated brass, tinplate, or sterling silver. They feature small glass panels, hinged metal joints, and internal spring-loaded or fitted holders designed to secure miniature wax candles.

Authentic pieces usually exhibit mechanical features such as hand-riveted hinges, stamped patent marks, or maker trademarks on the metal casing. Genuine antiques display natural surface wear, minor oxidisation, and glass panes appropriate to the era.

These compact, metal curiosities serve as display pieces on a bookshelf, desk tray, or inside a cabinet of curiosities. Grouping them alongside other brass and nickel desk accessories adds tactile interest to modern office or library settings.

Dust the item gently with a soft microfibre cloth and avoid using harsh abrasive polishes that can strip original plating. Clean internal glass panes with a damp cotton swab and store the item in a dry environment to prevent corrosion.
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