*German, Peters & Bey BT-400 Masthead Navigation Lantern, Copper & Brass Ship’s Light, IMCO / DHI Approved with Original Certificate*
A striking and highly authentic copper masthead navigation lantern by the renowned Hamburg maritime manufacturer Peters & Bey (B.T.), one of the leading suppliers of professional ship’s lighting equipment during the twentieth century. Constructed from heavy copper and brass and fitted with a thick precision Fresnel glass lens, the lantern represents a robust commercial navigation light designed for use aboard merchant vessels and coastal craft.
The lantern follows the classic cylindrical masthead configuration with a robust copper body, hinged top access lid, heavy brass carrying and securing bracket, and thick ribbed Fresnel lens designed to project a precise beam pattern. Internally the lantern retains its original electrical lamp holder assembly and is rated for a maximum 85-watt bulb.
The front brass identification plaque reads: "MASTHEAD / BT 400/ NK 77" indicating the lantern model (BT-400) and classification approval by NK – Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, one of the world’s major ship classification societies. The Fresnel glass lens carries numerous manufacturer and regulatory marks including: "IMCO – Anchor symbol – D901 – D905 – NK" confirming compliance with international maritime safety standards under the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (the precursor to today’s IMO). Additional inspection and certification marks are present within the glass including: "DHI 09/03/76, DHI 09/01/81". These refer to approvals issued by the Deutsches Hydrographisches Institut (German Hydrographic Institute) confirming the lantern met international navigation light standards following the COLREGS maritime regulations. An electrolytic pen marking on the lens reads: "BT 49586" which corresponds exactly with the original certificate supplied with the lantern. The brass carrying handle is stamped: "IP 56" indicating ingress protection against dust and powerful water spray, an essential requirement for exposed marine navigation equipment.
Inside the lantern base are further technical markings: "D.S.N, MAX 85 WATT, BT, MAX 65 CANDELA* confirming the lantern’s electrical rating and maximum luminous intensity.
The lantern is supplied with its original Danish government inspection certificate dated 5 December 1988, issued by Brøndberg & Tandrup A/S, Copenhagen, confirming the lantern complies with the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea (COLREGS 1972/1981). The certificate identifies the lantern as prototype BT-400 and records the same serial number BT 49586 found etched on the glass lens.
Masthead navigation lanterns such as this were fitted high on a vessel’s mast and designed to project a white light over a 225-degree arc, visible from ahead and from both sides of a ship. Under international regulations this light signals a vessel under power and is a critical component of maritime collision-avoidance systems.
Approx. Measurements – Base: 21 cm × 21 cm. Height including handle: 36 cm. Lantern body diameter: 19 cm.
History Note:
Peters & Bey (originally J.H. Peters & Bey) was founded in Hamburg in 1881 and became one of Europe’s most respected manufacturers of marine navigation lights and ship fittings. As maritime safety regulations evolved during the twentieth century, the company specialised in producing precision navigation lanterns designed to meet strict international optical standards.
Following the introduction of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) in 1972, manufacturers such as Peters & Bey developed new lantern models with certified beam angles and light intensities suitable for different vessel sizes. Equipment was tested and approved by national maritime authorities including the German Hydrographic Institute (DHI), while classification societies such as Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK) certified the equipment for use on registered vessels.
The BT-400 masthead lantern represents a typical late twentieth-century professional navigation light used on commercial vessels, coastal shipping and harbour craft. Its heavy copper construction, precision Fresnel optics and extensive certification markings reflect the rigorous engineering standards required for marine safety equipment during this period.
*Condition*
The lantern remains in solid original condition with good overall structure and complete lens assembly. The copper body retains a natural aged patina with surface wear, light scratching and areas of historic solder repair consistent with maritime use. The Fresnel glass lens is intact with no obvious cracks or major damage and retains its original regulatory markings. The hinged lid operates as intended and the internal electrical fitting remains present, although the lantern has not been tested electrically and is therefore sold as untested. The brass identification plaque and certification stamps remain clear and legible. The lantern is supplied with its original Danish inspection certificate corresponding to the serial number etched on the lens. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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