SPOTLIGHT ON A COLLECTION

by Myrna Dyment 

One thing is for sure; Roger Dyment does not take his collection lightly.

It all started in a Beaumaris boathouse on Lake Muskoka in 1986. Roger went to look at 2 rowing skiffs and ended up instead purchasing “Skipjack” a 1909, white-hulled, canoe stern family launch with electric running lights. Originally the boat would have sported brass kerosene lanterns – thus Roger’s quest began.

His first marine lantern was purchased from friend and fellow Toronto and International ACBS member – Ken MacStephen. To this day the nine-inch high, kerosene triple bullseye lamp proudly rests upon Skipjack’s bow.

The collection of approximately 40 lanterns has come from discoveries in parts of Ontario, New Hampshire and Maine and as far west as British Columbia and the state of Washington. From that first triple bullseye lamp the collection has expanded to include: small family launch and power skiff brass kerosene running lights, hanging stern brass lamps, a military brass signal carbide lamp, galvanized lamps (purchased for spare lenses & burner pots), unique and rare brass electric running lights, plus interesting brass nautical hardware including launch dashboard clocks. It also includes a brass tachometer from a steam engine, brass oil cans and brass whistles. The lanterns in Roger’s collection date anywhere from 1890- 1920.

Roger has come upon old issues of Motor Boating Magazine (1907 – 1912) that contain ads for Perko and other types of lanterns that are part of his collection. These ads indicate that the brass lanterns sold new for $4.50 and the galvanized versions for $2.75. The primary marine lantern manufacturers were Perko, Triplex and Solar. Dietz was also a well-known name, but tended to focus on producing high-end automotive lanterns instead. 

Ever the collector, Roger continues to search for unique additions to his light menagerie; in particular, he is currently looking for a smaller version of a brass Solar triple bullseye carbide running lamp. The larger version of this lamp is a favourite in his collection. He admires this lamp for its unique trumpet-shaped port and starboard lens housings and a large central magnifier with a clear lense in the centre. Roger’s other collection favourite is a Dietz paragon triple bullseye launch light purchased in an antique store in Clayton –thanks once again to a tip from Ken MacStephen. Although the previous history of these lights is unknown, Roger does enjoy speculating on what type of boats these lanterns may have once adorned.

Twice a year the lights are removed from their place of honour in Roger’s display case and polished. He finds that Magic Cloth seems to do the best job – a bright finish and no residue. Although a lacquer finish would eliminate the arduous task of polishing, Roger feels that this finish does not hold-up in the elements and is then very difficult to remove.

Roger advises those who want to start a collection of marine lights or other items to frequent antique malls and flea markets and leave your business card with vendors. Since he began collecting lamps 15 years ago Roger has found it increasingly difficult to add to his collection for two reasons. One, he is now looking for very specific types of lanterns and two, the demand for antique marine lanterns has grown, even among individuals who do not own antique boats.

In his search for brass marine lanterns & paraphernalia, Roger has explored the nooks and crannies of stores and flea markets across North America and met numerous individuals with an interesting tale to tell. When he was looking for a brass whistle for Skipjack Roger placed a want ad in Rudder. Phil Krantz of New York phoned in response to the ad. As negotiations ensued over the phone, Roger inquired as to the condition of the whistle – Phil gave the whistle a toot & the deal was sealed!

Anyone that has ever had a business dealing with Roger can attest to the fact that his focus and determination in acquiring the object in question is second to none. Several years ago Roger answered a For Sale ad in the paper regarding a copper jacket engine. Roger went to see the engine and made an offer to the owner. The owner was concerned that he was selling the engine for less than it was worth. Roger quickly replied, “My good man – you can call anyone, nobody pays more than I do!”   

As a collector Roger is very focused and passionate. He doesn’t collect just for the sake of collecting but to acquire specific items that intrigue or interest him.  As with any collection, the quest does not end here. Who knows what brass treasures lurk around the next corner!