horn lantern

Horn lantern known as 'The Moone' and carried before the Mayor when he went out at night; late eighteenth century. Original display label stated 'Horn lantern mounted on a shaft with iron rest at the lower end for fixing the foot in, giving greater support when carried by a horseman. This lantern, before the streets of Lynn were lighted, was carried before the Mayor and corporation when that body had occasion to be abroad after dark, and was known by the townsfolk by its sobriquet, 'The Moon'. These moons which were in use at the end of the 18th century, were taken on horseback before the carriage. An advertisement in Cosgrove's News (1739 - another label states 1792) re. coach from Norwich to London states 'Moons will be carried before the coach when dark'