Traditional Lanterns, Made by Hand.

Shop Now

Make sure you have 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.

Contact Rob Now.
Two scruffy pirates are sneaking around a building at dusk carrying lanterns and a pistol

Featured Product

Featured Product

Round Black Naval Lantern Round Black Naval Lantern
Round Black Naval Lantern
$105.00

Here is the perfect Naval Lantern for your reenacting kit if you want something smaller than the English Ship Lantern.  It is based on an original museum piece and is built sturdy for hard use on board or land.

Each lantern is made one at a time, and there WILL be small differences in finish and construction for each lantern.

  • Appropriate for any time after the mid-1600s.

  • 18 inches tall and 7.5” in diameter.

  • Black painted finish.

  • Lite lampshade mica panes that simulate horn.

  • Sturdy construction for rugged use.

A lantern inspired this 18th— to early 19th-century-style round naval lantern in the Smithsonian Museum Collections (item #2002.0160.04). It may have been the type used on the USS Constitution.

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

Discover the latest additions to my collection. This historically based round Naval Ship Lantern is ready to ship.

Shop All

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

  • This lantern is fantastic, exactly as expected and is absolutely beautiful. Not only is it a great reproduction but a piece of art as well, it actual stirs the imagination as would an actual historical piece. Rob did a great job of informing me as to when it was being produced, shipped and when I would expect to see it. The lantern arrived safely and was well packaged. I will defiantly be ordering from Rob Gorrell again.

    Glen, 2-3-36

  • 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

  • Rob is a true craftsman with a love for his trade. He’s professional and responsive. I bought one of his lanterns at Shaker Woods in Ohio 20 or so years ago and am so happy to have rediscovered him after searching online. That original lantern has seen much field use and is still serving to greet guests in my 18th c home. I recently bought two others to match. Rob’s workmanship remains exceptional. Not inexpensive but these are items that can be enjoyed and passed down the line for many years. Highly recommended!

    George, 11-30-25

  • 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

  • This lantern is nice and compact. It doesn't take up as much space as the Larger British ship's lantern. Rob put a good amount of work into making a nice smallish lantern that is perfect for carrying by hand, and is exactly what one would imagine for use walking darkened halls. This one is my favorite for use while traveling for reenactment events. Its hard to say this is the end-all-be-all of reenactment lanterns, because I'm sure He will come up with something new soon!

    Brian, 10-17-25

  • 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

  • From detail-oriented research to impeccable craftsmanship, Rob's work is unsurpassed. His pieces were recommended by a fellow historical interpreter when I asked about lighting that could withstand real-world use while also being incredibly historically accurate, I'm so glad I invested in 4 of his lanterns. They are functionally perfect but also add to my interpretation and the period appropriate ambiance helping visitors feel they are connecting with the past. Thank you for such excellent work!

    Kathryn, 8-4-25

  • 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.