Traditional Lanterns, Made by Hand

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Discover the right lantern for your next adventure.

A young and determined pirate girl is walking through tall grass with a round naval lantern.

Rob will be happy to collaborate with you to create the right historically inspired lantern for your next adventure.

Every lantern is made by hand by Rob Gorrell in his workshop in Ohio. He uses mostly hand-powered tools to create rugged, functional tin candle lanterns that are based on historically documented designs.

So if you are making a film, creating a museum exhibit, need a lantern for tour guides, or if you are a reenactor, living-history buff or full-on pirate, Rob can help you.

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Shop For the latest handmade lanterns.

Mercury Ship Lantern Mercury Ship Lantern Mercury Ship Lantern Mercury Ship Lantern Mercury Ship Lantern Mercury Ship Lantern Mercury Ship Lantern
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Mercury Ship Lantern
$105.00

This design was created for the Golden Age Pirate reenacting group, The Crew of the Mercury. It is very similar to thte Kate’s Round Lantern, but has a wire carrying ring. This change makes the lantern easier to pack for travel and is more accurate for 16th-17th century lantern styles than the later flat tin rings.

  • 18” tall and 7.5” in diameter

  • Antique, Black or Red painted finish

  • Amber or lite-colored lampshade mica panes to simulate horn.

  • The finish is intended to resemble a lantern that has been used and repainted multiple times, with visible brushstrokes and imperfections.

Each lantern is made by hand, one at a time. There can be significant differences in the appearance of the finish compared to the photos.

I am backed up on orders through mid-November. Please note that it will be at least December before new orders are ready.

Discover the latest additions to my collection—handpicked pieces that bring new energy to your space.

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I am happy to announce that I am now supplying an exclusive lantern for the gift shop at George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Nighttime garden pathway illuminated by a series of vintage-style lanterns, with flowers and greenery along the sides.
Mount Vernon Website

What People Are Saying

  • Beautiful lantern to compliment one I already use. Great craftsmanship.

    Christopher, 2/12/26

  • Ordered a bulls eye lantern and a ship lantern on a whim. Received them last week and was very impressed by the quality of both.

    Greg, 2-10-26

  • What a treasure! I have always wanted one of these lanterns, and this doesn’t disappoint! So beautiful when lit with a candle as it really enhances the workmanship. Received item quickly and so glad I found this website.

    Maureen, 1-23-26

  • IF anyone builds more accurate reproductions that are better crafted, I am unaware of them after 40 years in living history. I believe there are six of Robb's lanterns in my house; all perform well and are attractive whether shining or dark. Kudos.

    William, 12-23-25

  • As usual, another excellent product. Fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. A worthy addition to my Rod Gorrell collection. Well done, sir!

    Mark, 11—14-25

  • Received my bulls- eye lantern much sooner than expected. Excellent workmanship at a very reasonable price. Really good customer service, so we'll be doing business in the future.

    Michael, 11-4-25

  • These lanterns are wonderfully crafted. I bought one back in the winter for a film shoot. Then I bought two more for a different set of scenes in our movie. Rob is a master craftsman. He shipped them to me with lightning speed. They are perfect. I will shop with him again for my period correct lantern needs!

    8-31-25

  • Lantern is beautiful and shows a lot of thought went into its construction. Not the cheapest object of art I have ever purchased, but certainly one of the best looking, and functional too, very much worth it. Fast shipping and good packaging completes the picture. Thanks! Read Less

    Walt, 6-19-25

Rob Gorrell - Maker

Rob Gorrell - Maker

I enjoy creating a variety of historically inspired lanterns that are perfect for your home, film, museum exhibit, or living history event. I am constantly studying historic tinware wherever I can and have observed tinware in several museums and collections in the US, France, Spain and the UK.

Every lantern is made one at a time, in my Ohio shop, mainly using traditional hand-powered metalworking tools. New lanterns are listed in the store as I get them made.

Custom and international orders are welcome. I work with several museums and living history groups to research and create lanterns that meet their needs.