Original German WWII Bakelite & Aluminum Carbide Trench Lantern with “Blackout” Covers & Mounting Hook – Waffenamt Marked Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is very unusual and wonderfully represents the German’s use of bakelite a pre-war plastic forerunner that was most often encounter in field phones, fuse containers and MG 34 butt stocks. We have had several of these before, however this example is by FAR the most complete example that we have had. It still has the aluminum hook on the handle, for easily securing it to any number of hanging points. Even better, it still has ALL THREE “Blackout” covers for the windows, used to prevent excessive light from exposing the location of the lantern. The two side covers completely block the light, while the front cover has both a “slit” lamp and a small round hole, both with their original functional covers. Simply wonderful!

This carbide hand lantern is constructed of about 75% bakelite, with the areas exposed to the most heat made from aluminum. The water reservoir on the back looks to be made from brass, and behind it is a slot where the blackout covers are stored when not in use. It also features three glass window panes, a concave mirror, a folding bakelite carry handle and an aluminum belt hook on the back, which has a German WWII Waffenamt WaA 146 marking. The bakelite is wartime marked by the manufacturer on the handle, 2880 / 2 and a maker’s mark T2MD70 in a circle. There are markings on other parts as well.

The lamp measures approximately 11″ x 4″ x 5″. And is in very good condition. All three glass windows are intact, and the burner system seems to be intact as well, though the rear reflector has cracked due to age and heat exposure. The bottom compartment to hold the calcium carbide (CaC2) and water (H2O) still unscrews, and still has the internal cone inside.

Beautifully constructed and well designed, this says a lot for German manufacturing skills during a difficult time. Extremely rare and ready to display!