Original Canadian WWI Era Lamp Signaling B “Begbie Signal Lamp” With Original Transit Box With Accessories and Tripod – Marked 13 CMR for 13th Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles Original Items

Original Item: Only One Set Available. This is a fine example of a Lamp, Signalling, B” signal lamp with original transit chest and spare glass “bulbs” with original tripod. This example is actually marked on the top of the lid with the Canadian “Broad Arrow C” as well as a rare unit marking (13 CMR) for the 13th Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles, South Alberta Light Horse (SALH).

In the First World War, instead of mobilizing the Canadian militia to send overseas, new units were formed from volunteers of the militia and general public. The militia units generally became organizations for recruiting, induction and preliminary training for the new units. The 19th Alberta Dragoons recruited the 1st Divisional Cavalry Squadron, CEF, which landed in France in February 1915. After other divisions joined the 1st Canadian Division in France and the Canadian Corps was formed, the squadron was attached to the corps and became A Squadron, Canadian Light Horse, CEF. The troopers of this squadron wore 19th Alberta Dragoon badges throughout the war.

Lamp Signalling “B”, also called a Begbie Lamp, was used from about 1885 until the First World War. It was used to signal at night by means of a kerosene oil lamp, a set of shutters and a focusing lens all of which appear to be present and functional. The operator used the lamp to send morse code to a distant station using the plunger located on the top to activate the shutters. It could be used on its own or in conjunction with a tripod signalling which is also present and functional with the group. The lamp was carried in a wooden box along with a metal container for kerosene and a wooden box to hold spare glass globes and spare wicks. The only thing that appears to be missing is the Kerosene container.

The overall condition is quite nice with the only real “concern” being paint loss on the lamp itself as well as the transit chest. The spare bulbs that are present are individually wrapped to prevent any from breaking.

A lovely set ready for further research and display.