Railroad lantern questions. - Trains Magazine
One of the most distinct features of a "Railroad" style railroad lanterns (regarless of lantern maker) is the heavier construction (thicker side frames), and cage around the globe. These features allowed better protection for the globe and the frame. RR lanterns needed to be stronger and take a little more abuse.
They also have one other feature that makes them different. When signaling to reverse in the dark, a lantern would be swung in a circle perpindicular to the tracks. Railroad lanterns need to keep working upside down while being used to signal. (This is accomplioshed I think by a tight seal to keep the oil in the tank, although I'm not sure, and I've never tried it with a burning lantern for obvious reasons.)
An axample can be found here
It is a Dietz vesta, from 1942. No RR markings.
