Re: Dietz Inspector Lantern

Dietz made two types of Inspector lanterns for railroads, the basic frame was the same. One type was for car inspectors and it had a magnifier glass in back of the globe to concentrate light towards journal boxes, etc. The other type was a track inspectors lantern, similar to the car knockers lamp but it had a lens in the back of the housing. The rear lens would display a white or red aspect to the rear, protecting the walker as inspections were made. I have a Western Maryland Dietz that has a two color aspect with a red lens that can be moved into place. I don't know of anyone making new inspector lanterns but there are a couple of makers who still supply railroads. One is Adams & Westlake "Adlake" www.adlake.com The other is the W.T. Kirkman Company www.lanternnet.com. Another thing you can try is the on-line sellers of railroad artifacts on ebay, etc. sometimes you can get a bargain. The Key, Lock & Lantern site may help as well www.klnl.org

Good luck with the search.