This is probably one of the earliest and most unusual lights that I have had the privilege of owning. I am calling it a cage light. It is a very significant lantern from the 17th. century. The design would make it nearly impossible for this light to tip over. The wide base would allow for safety and may have been used on a ship. This is a museum quality piece of lighting. If you look at the photo below you will see it is the exact same lantern as identified in the book. Early Massachusetts wood cage lantern. Late 17th. Century cage light out of Gloucester Massachusetts, it measures 12 tall, base 9 3/4 , top 5 1/2 inches.
There is an inventory number on the bottom. A most unusual reflector is on the inside of the top of the lantern. I have never seen a relector made of iron but this is an iron reflector, original to the light. I believe it was also there to absorb heat so as not to burn the top of the lantern. Each of the cage sides are mortised into the bottom and so is the candle holder. There are small holes on the surface of the lantern which may be evidence that someone at some time may have added screen to the light. It was not present and I don’t believe it was original to the light. Price: sold