The police lantern was one of those very few pieces of police equipment that was
carried by cop and crook alike! 
In literature we find Raffles, the gentleman burglar, and his counterpart, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, both regular users of the police bullseye lantern, also known as the dark lantern. For the Victorian policeman this oil lantern was a very vital piece of equipment. Not only did it serve as a source of light, but also as a personal heater in the winter and stove for his "cuppa" tea year-round …. occasionally, it also seconded as a defensive weapon and might also be used as a signaling device!
The bullseye lantern was a very ingeniously made piece of equipment. In addition to the outer tin shell topped by crimped or crinkled multi-level chimney, the device bore a ground glass magnifying lens, an inner lamp with adjustible wick, carrying handles and a belt hook …. to adjust the amount of light given off by the device, one simply turned the chimney.
The specimen Bullseye lantern that it is the focus of this article was manufactured by HIATT & CO., BIRMINGHAM in the mid-1800's. In addition to the features listed above, it also has a lip under the hook to prevent the lamp from slipping off the belt.
Please click on the listings below to see and learn more about the innovative and ingenious Bullseye Police Lantern ………..
(1) Photo One: Front, Right Angle View(2) Photo Two: Right Side View
(3) Photo Three: Left Side View
(4) Photo Four: Rear View
(5) Photo Five: Opened (Inside) View
(6) Photo Six: Manufacturer's Plate
(7) Photo Seven: Patent Plate
If anyone has information or photos to share about this or similar Police Bullseye Lanterns, .... please contact the author at bullseye@constabulary.com .
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