Rare Hooper of Boston Empire Lantern, Circa: 1820

Description

This handsome lantern is indicative of the work of Hooper of Boston in the Federal/Empire period. Henry Northey Hooper (1799-1865) … more This handsome lantern is indicative of the work of Hooper of Boston in the Federal/Empire period. Henry Northey Hooper (1799-1865) was an apprentice of Paul Revere and later bought Revere's foundry. His company was well known for the manufacture of bells, lanterns, chandeliers, Argand lamps, and artillery. Its lighting devices were to be found in fine homes and public buildings not only in New England but all over the early United States. This lantern's design was inspired by the decorative motifs of the ancient Greco-Roman world. This fine lantern probably hung in the front hall of a fashionable house. It is rare that such a lantern survived at all, let alone this intact, as most fixtures fell by the wayside as fashions changed and when electricity arrived. Originally designed to hold a single candle., it appears to have been saved by being first electrified around 1915.

The metal is patinated hand-cast brass with a hand-blown, frosted, and etched shade. The bottom cap removes and holds the original candle cup. Three chains attach the shade and ornamental band to the top smoke bell and ring. The decorations include acanthus leaves, flowers, and pineapples( a symbol of hospitality). Ceiling cap, hanging hardware, and one foot of chain included. less