Historical information
Metal and glass railway signalling lamps were used for communication, safety and lighting by train guards, shunters and signalmen, as well as station staff in the late 1880s to the early 1900s. They were hand operated and used fuel such as kerosene.
Significance
The railway signal lamp has local significance as part of a set of three lamps donated by a resident of Wodonga who worked for the Victorian Railways. It also has national significance as an example of communication and safety equipment used by the railways in Australia in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Physical description
Black painted metal signal lamp with a circular metal cover over a clear glass disk at the front and an elongated oval shaped handle at the back. The circular metal cover has a vertical slit in it. There is an inscription on the top of the lamp with the date 1917 and the company name "Eli Griffiths & Sons, Birmingham".
Inscriptions & markings
"ELI GRIFFITHS & SONS / 1917 / BIRMINGHAM"
References
- Museum of Applied Arts & Science: Railway lamps Accessed 1 April 2021.
- Museum Victoria Science Works: Victorian Railways – Staff Accessed 1 April 2021.