Embury No. 40 Traffic Gard Lantern Value Guide

The Embury No. 40 Traffic Gard is a quintessential piece of American infrastructure history, manufactured in Warsaw, New York, between 1940 and 1953. These compact kerosene lanterns are highly collectible for their specialized design, featuring a weighted base and a signature red globe intended for 50-hour continuous burn times on construction sites.

What affects the value of Embury No. 40 Traffic Gard Lantern?

• Condition of the red enamel finish; original paint in good condition significantly improves display appeal.
• Integrity of the glass globe, as cracks or chips in the specific No. 40 red glass reduce the value.
• Mechanical functionality of the burner assembly and the presence of the original filler cap.
• Historical provenance, such as specific highway department markings or stamps on the lantern body.

How to Identify Embury No. 40 Traffic Gard Lantern?

• Check the top chimney for the embossed 'No. 40 Traffic Gard' and 'Embury Mfg. Co.' branding.
• Verify the presence of the original weighted circular base designed to prevent tipping on uneven road surfaces.
• Look for the authentic red glass globe, which was the standard safety color for hazard marking during the mid-20th century.
• Confirm the construction material is heavy-gauge steel, often found with remnants of original red enamel paint.

History of Embury No. 40 Traffic Gard Lantern

Manufactured by the Embury Manufacturing Company in Warsaw, New York, the No. 40 Traffic Gard was a staple for highway departments before the advent of battery-powered flashers. Known for its small size and weighted base to prevent tipping, it featured a distinctive red globe and was designed to burn for up to 50 hours on a single fill.