British, 1930, Pair of Large Copper & Brass Ship’s Port and Starboard Navigation Lamps, by Player & Mitchell, Birmingham, with Chance Brothers Birmingham Lens (2)
*British, 1930, Pair of Large Copper & Brass Ship’s Port and Starboard Navigation Lamps, by Player & Mitchell, Birmingham, with Chance Brothers Birmingham Lens (2)*
A fine matched pair of large long-neck ship’s navigation lamps, one marked PORT and the other STARBOARD, manufactured in 1930 by Player & Mitchell of Birmingham with original brass nameplates and maker’s plaques. Each lamp is constructed from copper with brass fittings and carries a heavy Fresnel glass lens supplied by Chase Brothers. The lamps are substantial in scale, measuring approx. 65cm tall and 29cm x 29cm across the base.
Both retain their original burner housings but have since been fitted for electric bulbs (bulb holders in place), though untested and supplied without plugs or leads.
Each lamp is serial numbered: Port lamp stamped A15, AP.4090; Starboard lamp stamped A72, AP.4091, confirming they were an original matched pair in service.
The lenses are etched “C. B. & Co Ld 10x7 Birmingham, Made in England”, identifying them as the work of Chase Brothers & Co Ltd, Lighthouse Works, Birmingham. Inside, each lamp retains its coloured glass filter — red for Port and blue/green for Starboard — enabling the correct navigation colours to project through the clear Fresnel lens.
Markings -Brass plaques: Player & Mitchell, Manufacturers, Birmingham, 1930 -Serial Nos.: A15, AP.4090 (Port) and A72, AP.4091 (Starboard) -Glass: C. B. & Co Ld 10x7 Birmingham, Made in England (Chase Brothers & Co Ltd)
Historical Note Navigation lamps of this type were essential safety equipment aboard ships, with the red Port light positioned on the vessel’s left side and the green Starboard light on the right. Their function was to ensure visibility of a vessel’s course and orientation during night operations and poor weather, reducing the risk of collision at sea.
Player & Mitchell of Birmingham were established marine lamp and brassware manufacturers, producing high-quality navigational lighting for both Royal Navy and commercial vessels. The 1930 date places these lamps firmly in the interwar period, when the Royal Navy and British merchant fleet were both expanding and modernising. Their large size suggests they were intended for a significant seagoing vessel, rather than a small yacht.
The Fresnel lenses are etched “C. B. & Co Ld”, denoting Chase Brothers & Co Ltd, Lighthouse Works, Birmingham. Chase Brothers were one of Britain’s leading makers of optical glass for lighthouses and marine navigation equipment from the late 19th through early 20th centuries. They specialised in precision Fresnel optics, producing lenses for both Admiralty and commercial use. Often working in collaboration with lamp makers such as Player & Mitchell, their products were renowned for clarity, durability, and compliance with Admiralty standards — ensuring vessels were clearly visible at sea.
*Condition* Both lamps present in good condition for age, with an attractive patina to the copper and brass. Light surface marks and age wear are visible. Both Fresnel glass lenses remain intact but do show small edge chips consistent with service use. Hinges, brass handles, and burner housings are present and functional. Converted for electricity with bulb fittings inside, but not tested and no plugs or leads fitted. Traces of verdigris to copper joints and interior surfaces. Overall, a very well-preserved, authentic matched pair of interwar ship’s lamps. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMBEOXGEO_1425210517
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