How to Use a Bullseye Lantern
The Bullseye Lantern was a very popular tool used as early as the 13th century. It was an oil lit lantern that was encased in a tin box, with a refractive piece of glass that used the lit wick as its centerpiece, thus the name bullseye. As the Bullseye Lantern progressed, it became standard issue for Police in London, eventually made without oil and operated by battery and a light bulb.
Instructions
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1
Remove the tin box cover over the wick. This will either slide upward revealing the base and wick or it will be hinged. Open the hinge to reveal the base and wick.
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2
Unscrew the wick top from the oil well. Fill the oil well with lamp oil. This can be purchased at any major hardware store.
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3
Replace the wick and screw back on the top of the oil well. Allow the wick to sit in the oil for 15 minutes. This will allow the wick to absorb the oil.
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4
Light the bullseye lantern with a match or lighter.
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5
Return the cover of the Bullseye Lantern over the wick.
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Tips & Warnings
These have become collectors items over the years. If you should stumble across one in good condition in your basement or attic, it may be worth quite a bit of money.
Most battery operated Bullseye Lanterns are turned on with a simple flip of the switch. Some have both low and high settings.
Always extinguish candles when leaving the room. Even though it is encased, it is still a flame surrounded by oil.