Artifact No.36 - Vintage Kodak Dark Room Lantern

These portable safelights were part of the Gold Age of Kerosene Darkrooms in the early 1900s. They were extremely popular before electricity was widely available. This particular light is Kodak branded and is set with red glass. The top corner of the glass is cracked, but it kind of gives it a bit of creepy charm.

From 1839 to 1940, post-mortem photography was popular, and this lantern would have been produced and used around the same time. Although we can’t say for sure whether this light was used to develop post-mortem photos, we do know that photographing the dead was extremely popular in Canada around that time. However, many people did not have a camera or darkroom equipment at home because photography was extremely expensive. Based on that information, it is likely that whoever used this darkroom light was probably a business owner. Therefore, it is likely that this darkroom lantern was used to develop post-mortem photography.

Like most of our things, we found this item at our local thrift shop. Please note that our items are sold in an "as is" state. Vintage items are purchased and sold in the condition we find them.

It’s 8.5 inches tall and 4.5 inches wide. The burgundy paint is peeling, and it is missing the yellow glass that would have also been part of this item, but honestly, the red one is the better one.

Someone with a bit of creativity could maybe repurpose it into something like a candle holder or electric lamp. Or maybe you like to collect vintage photography memorabilia. Whatever your reason for wanting the Kodak darkroom lamp, this item is the right item for you.