GEC Z5560SB 80w/125w MBF Lantern. Likely to date from the late 1950's, this diminutive but delightful little top-entry lantern is one of a family of similar looking GEC GLS/MBF lanterns that fall under the Z5560 category of lanterns. The lanterns in this group all share the same wide-necked GEC cast-aluminium canopy, but come with a wide variety bowl types.

The lantern  in the collection is a Z5560SB (SB = shallow bowl) and came from somewhere in South Staffordshire in 2006 and was rescued after falling victim to the PFI lighting renewal scheme for the County. The fitting is complete and in reasonable condition, but is particularly nice because it retains its original GEC prismatic glass bowl. The only non-original feature is the mini-photocell that has been retro-fitted to the canopy, but this will be removed and the hole filled during the renovation of the lantern.

The lantern came attached to its concrete bracket from which it will have to be removed. As can be seen, the lantern's external appearance is good and it appears to be complete.

As with most GEC products of the period, the GEC name is cast into the aluminium canopy and proudly states beneath it "Made in England". The mini-photocell sticking out of the side of the lantern will be removed and the hole filled to bring the lantern back to its original state.

With the glass bowl opened; we can see the vitrus enamelled reflector plate that has sadly corroded. However, a pristine replacement has been found and this will be used to restore the lantern. Because the lantern uses a prismatic glass bowl there is no prismatic glass refractor ring fitted to the lantern - but GEC still provided the refractor ring spring-clips with the enamelled reflector plate!