Figure 64. — Collapsible paper lantern, 

 1888. (Smithsonian photo 46685-D.) 



CAMPAIGN LANTERN, 1 888 Figure 61 



No example found. 



This is one of several lantern bodies patented Ijy 

 Walter C. Beckwith of Fostoria, Ohio, during the 

 campaign year of 1888. This one involved a lantern 

 which could be used either as a torch suspended from 

 a pole or as a lantern which could be hung. 



CAMPAIGN LANTERN, 1 888 Figure 62 



No e.xample found. 



Another lantern body patented Ijy Walter C. 

 Beckwith was this one showing a slightly different 

 base and another variation of the globe from those 

 shown in figure 61. Both of the lanterns bore red, 

 white and blue globes which were modifications of 

 the U.S. flag, and, for light, burned candles. The 

 patent stated that both were "particularly applicable 

 to lanterns for campaign purposes, being somewhat 

 characteristic of one of the political parties now in 

 the field." Within the two patents, Mr. Beckwith 

 illustrated five globes of different designs. 



LANTERN FRAME, 1 888 Figure 63 



USNM 245215.2 (Watson accession) 



This torch frame is similar to one illustrated on 

 both of the two previously mentioned patents sub- 

 mitted by Walter C. Beckwith. This particular 

 frame was patented Isy R. H. Taber on May 3, 1887 

 (patent 362331). It is 12 inches high w-ith a diameter 

 of 3 inches at the top and 4}^ inches at the bottom. 

 Candles are used for lighting the lantern. \'arious 

 globes with patriotic designs were used on this type 

 of lantern as illustrated in the patent by Beckwith. 



COLLAPSIBLE PAPER L.A.NTERN, I 888 Figure 64 

 USXM 227739 (Becker Collection) 



This paper lantern with a wire and wood frame is 

 one of many which were produced for parade use 

 during the late 19th century. Light is provided by 

 a candle on the inside. The colorful paper covers 

 bore pictures of the candidates, log-cabin motifs, and 

 other symbols relating to the issues of the campaign. 

 It was manufactured by Sprague and French of 

 Norwalk, Ohio. Collapsed, the cover is 23^4 inches 

 long and 7 inches wide in the middle, tapering on 

 the ends. 



PAPER 45: POLITICAL CAMPAIGN' TORCHES 



39 



