A porch lantern is a light fitting hung within or mounted beside a porch, doorway or entrance to illuminate the approach to a house. Antique examples are usually glazed metal lanterns in copper, brass, bronze or iron, designed either to hang from a chain or bracket or to fix directly to a wall.
Before electric lighting, entrance lanterns held a candle, oil burner or gas mantle, and many were made by local tinsmiths and ironmongers as well as by specialist lighting firms. Georgian town houses often had lanterns hanging within the doorcase or on iron overthrows above the steps, while the Victorian and Edwardian periods produced a great variety of designs in Gothic, Arts and Crafts and classical styles, with clear, bevelled, coloured or leaded glass. Copper lanterns with a natural verdigris and brass examples that have weathered to a warm brown patina are especially admired. Buyers should check that the frame is sound, the glass is original or of matching quality and that any electrical conversion is suitable for exterior use and carried out by a qualified electrician. An antique lantern makes a strong first impression on a period house.
