18th Century Lighting at Jas Townsend and Son

This is a descriptive video about all the different Oil Lamp and Candle Lanterns available at Townsends.

[townsends]

Yes, all of the lanterns in this video are made in the US.

[ItsOddball]

"Now go back to bed!" It's currently 5AM. You win this round.

[emilyrobinson]

I used to apprentice under a tinsmith making those pierced tin lanterns, using patterns and several tools from the late 1700s. Calling that item a lantern is something of a misnomer, rather it makes a fine lamp to direct light towards one thing, such as writing with one at a desk, but the main use was to carry a flame one place to another before matches were invented and lighting a candle could be an ordeal. The pierced holes make the flame very difficult to blow out, and thus a flame could be lit from the fireplace in the house, carried outside to a barn, or a church, or somewhere not likely to have a fire or tinderbox around, and then used to light other sources of illumination once there. The later glass-fronted ones combine the windproof ability with a superb directional light, so one could walk with the glass facing their path and not be blinded by the light being right in front of them.

[adamcochran]

This channel should be prescribed to lower blood pressure and heart rate...

[lesahanners]

Catching up on your older video's I came to this. It brought to mind a poem by Lon Woodrum which I admire, but couldn't help modifying slightly. You look just like an 18th century lantern shopkeeper selling your wares. How wonderfully delightful Jon.

I met a stranger in the night,
whose lamp had ceased to shine.
I paused and let him light his lamp from mine.
A tempest sprang up later on,
it shook me all about.
And when the wind was gone my lamp was out.
But then returned the stranger,
his lamp was glowing fine.
He held the precious flame and lighted mine.
I went to thank the stranger,
but lo, he was not there.
I had served an Angel unaware.

Let your light so shine before men... You do and I am grateful.

[greatestever]

My goodness. Didnt realize how old this video was.

[Warlock]

I can't sleep! Your videos are so good.

[matishav..]

Jon, the sheer delight and passion you have for what you do is so particularly heartwarming and wholesome. I love that there is such a good channel with very simple characters which also really makes the viewer ponder and even be appreciative of what they have now. The shows have become an absolute mainstay for us. :)

[lefish]

Dammit I love this guy’s unadulterated love of history. WHY ARE YOU SO GREAT

[loverdeadly]

I love your videos. I watch them for prepper tips. Everyone acts like society will collapse if we lose electricity, but we've only had electricity in every aspect of our lives for 100 years.

[ldudley]

Love these!

The pierced tin lanterns make great "night lights" in a tent.
If you want just enough light to see your way on a trail/navigate through a camp, pop the door just a bit.
I've also used them to work on projects while at gatherings around a campfire (no need to blind your fellows with a regular lantern). Find a hook to hang it on (or bring your own pole hook), open the door, and rotate it so the light falls on your handwork. Adjust the door to throw just the size pool of light needed.

[laurensouthgate]

Love your night wear looks great on you and the lanterns are beautiful.

[omarvelez]

Your videos are so relaxing and inspiring. Bless you and you family sir!

[chrisbennett]

The music on Jas show is always so satisfying

[FarmhouseWorthy]

All the glowing light is so pretty. I’ve ordered the candle making kit, and tin holder. Beeswax is lovely.

[nannercamping]

I love their beeswax candles they are EXTREMELY bright!!!! And last a very long time. Greetings from sellersburg Indiana and Louisville KY!!!!

[martinezfrederic]

Beautiful candle lanterns. Love watching your vids they are educational, informative, and entertaining. Thanks

[psjasker]

I had forgotten how good this channel is! Awesome

[TXGRunner]

Over the years you really polished your presentation and exude greater confidence. Your production values were very high even so many years ago. The lighting to video this segment must have been a real challenge having you well lit, while showing candles, and then everything else dark without noise - very well done.

[stevengonzalez]

Beautiful indeed.
Small little lights are such a beautiful thing. You are well prepared for a blackout TOWNSENDS, because you know what to do. We do love your channel.