Contributed by Museum at Portland Head
Description
Fourth order Fresnel lens, unknown origin, same size of the original Fresnel lens that was installed by 1864 into Portland Head Light. It would have originally housed a kerosene lamp. Fresnel lenses were classified by order referring to the strength of light emitted. These ranged from Huge first order lenses, which were visible to twenty-one miles, to smaller sixth- and seventh-order lenses, which were visible at lesser distances. Lenses of the second and fourth order were used at Portland Head Light. The lenses, combined with changes in the design of the lanterns that held them, vastly improved the navigational lighting system.
About This Item
- Title: Fourth order Fresnel lens, ca. 1900
- Creation Date: circa 1900
- Subject Date: circa 1900
- Location: Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Glass and brass
- Dimensions: 36 cm x 26 cm
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Lighthouses--Maine
- Portland Head Light (Cape Elizabeth, Me.)--Equipment and supplies
- Lighting
- Navigation
- Beacons
For more information about this item, contact:
Museum at Portland Head1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
(207) 799-2661
Website
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