1950s Hugo Zweigle Germany Esslingen Railroad Mining Carbide Lantern with Wood Handle

Original railroad or mining carbide lantern made of galvanized metal and finished with blue enamel. It has 3 doors, one on each side and one in the back. The two sides have clear glass inserts. (one piece of broken glass has a broken corner) and the glass insert in the front is missing. The handle is a round metal rod with a turned wooden grip.

On the back is a metal hook for hanging it and DB with a logo looks like a wheel with wings. The back door opens to give access to the carbide lantern and fuel tanks.

Engraved on the back of the inner carbide lantern is ‘Hugo Zweigle Esslingen, DB 1959’ and a logo looks like a wheel with wings; on the bottom is Osmeka 1955.

Condition: there is rust and oxidation over the outer and inner pieces, paint is worn and missing in places, and there are dents from use. One piece of glass is missing and another is missing a corner. See pictures for more details.

Approximately 8.25” tall (not including handle) x 4” wide x 3.5” deep (not including hook)


As a child, I loved going with my mama and grandparents to yard sales, estate sales, and thrift stores as we shared the love of sifting for treasures. That tradition has been continued into my adulthood and I am honored to share my unique finds with you.

Items in the “Past Treasures’ section of my shop are vintage and are not brand new. Most items come from estate sales. The items may show minor age-related wear and/or minor flaws consistent with the date of manufacture (please be sure to check photos carefully as they are part of the description). I do my best to describe any imperfections. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!

ETSY charges individual packages usually on shipping. If you want more than 1 item, please contact me so I can do special combined shipping for you prior to purchase, or refund overpaid postage when shipped. Thank you for looking.