GEC Z5225

Many would class this as being part of the Esla Bi-Multi range, but look again. Oversized large canopy, 6 facetted mirrors, and multi piece construction. This is a GEC Z5225. Due to Esla's patent, other manufacturers who wanted to compete against this new revolutionary lantern had to figure out how to get round the patent. Revo went for a whole curved piece of glass, whilst this was GEC's way round it.

Made from 1946, the lantern comprises an all cast aluminium construction, with very little else. It arrives into the collection in an extremely good condition. The glass is secured by means of a cast in lip along the rim of the edge nearest the lamp, and then lead strip is simply bent round to hold the other end in place. Its a work of genius, as any damaged glass can simply be removed and replaced with little to no effort. Originally only two of the 12 pieces remained, but they provided the perfect templates to have all new mirrored glass cut to size. Fitting them took seconds rather than hours, and they've absolutely transformed the lantern. This now means that restoration can begin, for this one I plan to strip back and paint silver, as it would have been from factory.